South Zumbro Wr-6a is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Olmsted, Minnesota, along Willow Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 56 feet tall and stretches 1600 feet in length. Completed in 1989, it has a storage capacity of 1696 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the region.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2017, South Zumbro Wr-6a is regulated by the MNDNR EWR and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2020. Despite its controlled spillway and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam poses a very high risk, which calls for effective risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities. Being situated in a region with a very high flood risk, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the area from potential disasters and highlights the importance of proper infrastructure for water resource management in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
1600 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
72 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
9.4 |
Nid Storage |
1696 |
Structural Height |
56 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
56 |
South Fork Zumbro River At Rochester
|
85cfs |
Root River Near Pilot Mound
|
303cfs |
Cedar River Near Austin
|
112cfs |
Zumbro River At Kellogg
|
1550cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
Mississippi River At Winona
|
13400cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Grounds
|
||
Bear Cave Park
|
||
Old Campground
|
||
Chester Woods/Kisrow County Park
|