South Branch Wild Rice Upper Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
South Branch Wild Rice Upper, also known as Upper Dam, is a key structure managed by local government in Ogema, Minnesota.
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Summary
Built in 1981 by Houston Eng, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 4700 feet along the Wild Rice River South Branch. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, providing a storage capacity of 13,380 acre-feet over a surface area of 1,084 acres to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation.
This dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets necessary standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every four years to maintain its structural integrity and safety. Located in Becker County, Minnesota, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and mitigating flood risks for the community of Ogema.
With a drainage area of 43 square miles and a history of successful flood risk reduction, South Branch Wild Rice Upper exemplifies the importance of effective water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the role of dams like this in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against flooding is essential for sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate change.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
4700 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER S BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1084 |
Drainage Area |
43 |
Nid Storage |
13380 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
South Branch Wild Rice Upper