South Zumbro Wr-6a is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Olmsted, Minnesota, along Willow Creek.
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.
Wind
Humidity
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
|
238cfs |
Root River Near Pilot Mound
|
620cfs |
Cedar River Near Austin
|
477cfs |
Zumbro River At Kellogg
|
1550cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
Mississippi River At Winona
|
16300cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Grounds
|
||
Bear Cave Park
|
||
Old Campground
|
||
Chester Woods/Kisrow County Park
|