South Branch Wild Rice Lower Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
South Branch Wild Rice Lower, also known as Lower Dam, is a vital infrastructure located in Ulen, Minnesota, built in 1981 for flood risk reduction along the Wild Rice River S Branch.
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Summary
The dam, primarily owned and regulated by the local government, stands at a height of 21 feet and serves to manage a drainage area of 43 square miles. With a storage capacity of 2,215 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling the river's flow and mitigating potential flood hazards in the Becker County region.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the South Branch Wild Rice Lower dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and remains in a not rated condition as of the last inspection in 2012. Despite not having a specific spillway type listed, the dam's design as an earth buttress structure ensures its stability and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With state-mandated permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place, the dam continues to be a key asset in safeguarding the local community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this structure serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER S BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
43 |
Nid Storage |
2215 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
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 Lower