Sand Hill No. 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sand Hill River Bejou Wma
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sand Hill No.
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Summary
2 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Fertile, Minnesota, along the Sand Hill River. Completed in 1981 by Houston Eng, this dam serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the area. Standing at a height of 15 feet and with a length of 295 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 600 cubic feet per second.
The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Ecological and Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of October 2017 was deemed satisfactory. With a moderate risk level of 3, the dam has not had any Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated recently, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality in the face of potential climate-related challenges.
Located in Polk County, Minnesota, Sand Hill No. 2 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks along the Sand Hill River. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of infrastructure like this dam in managing water resources and addressing the impacts of climate change on local communities. Efforts to assess and improve the resilience of such structures are essential in safeguarding both the environment and the people who rely on them for protection and water management.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
295 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SAND HILL RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
700 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Sand Hill No. 2