Bouchard Wildlife Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bouchard Wildlife in Isanti, Minnesota, is a private fish and wildlife pond designed by the USDA NRCS in 1981.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 11 feet, with a structural height of 14 feet and a length of 150 feet. The pond has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. The dam's spillway is controlled and has a width of 20 feet, with a maximum discharge of 24 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bouchard Wildlife serves as a vital habitat for local wildlife and a source of recreational opportunities for the community. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in December 2016. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for the dam is considered very high, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality in the face of climate variability and changing water resource dynamics.

Located along the Sunrise River-TR in Spring Lake, Bouchard Wildlife plays a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing a valuable resource for wildlife conservation efforts. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of enhancing fish and wildlife habitats while also mitigating flood risks and providing water storage for the surrounding area. As climate change impacts water resources and ecosystems, the maintenance and management of facilities like Bouchard Wildlife are essential for sustaining biodiversity and protecting the environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

SUNRISE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.