Lake John Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wergeland Twp 31 County Road 109
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Lake John, also known as Fales-Van Hyfte or Yellow Medicine No.
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Summary
7, is a picturesque earth dam located in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Built in 1981 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Mud Creek-TR stream. Standing at a height of 43 feet and with a length of 1000 feet, Lake John has a storage capacity of 557 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6 square miles.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake John plays a crucial role in mitigating potential hazards with a significant hazard potential rating. Despite this, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2012. The surrounding area enjoys a surface area of 20 acres and a normal storage capacity of 155 acre-feet, providing both flood control and recreational opportunities for the community.
With its buttress core design and uncontrolled spillway, Lake John is a symbol of effective water resource management in Minnesota. As climate change continues to impact the region, structures like Lake John play a critical role in safeguarding against floods and preserving water resources for future generations. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake John stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure in the face of environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
MUD CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
557 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Redwood River Near Marshall
|
0cfs |
Lac Qui Parle River Near Lac Qui Parle
|
536cfs |
Minnesota River At Montevideo
|
1810cfs |
Minnesota River Near Lac Qui Parle
|
1200cfs |
Chippewa River Near Watson
|
430cfs |
Big Sioux River Near Bruce
|
280cfs |
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.
Lake John