Tamarac River R1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tamarac River R1, also known as the Overton Structure, is a gravity dam located on the Tamarac River in Stephen, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a key flood risk reduction measure for the local community. With a dam height of 21 feet and a length of 11,000 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 1,168 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2,240 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Tamarac River R1 is state-regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam is classified as low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2017. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the emergency action plan for the dam is under review, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and risk management measures for potential emergencies.

Overall, Tamarac River R1 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events, highlighting the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience strategies in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. With its strategic location on the Tamarac River and efficient design, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in mitigating flood risks and ensuring public safety in Marshall County, Minnesota.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

11000

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TAMARAC RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

50

Drainage Area

225

Nid Storage

1168

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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