Sonstegard-Telste Reservoir Report
Nearby: Island Lake Twp 4 Nordland Twp 15
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sonstegard-Telste is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Lyon County, Minnesota, along the Yellow Medicine River.
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Summary
Built in 1983 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet with a structural height of 46 feet and a length of 1400 feet. It has a storage capacity of 890 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, providing protection to the surrounding area from potential inundation.
Managed by the MNDNR EWR, Sonstegard-Telste is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its satisfactory condition and significant hazard potential are monitored. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has shown to meet guidelines and operational requirements, with a last inspection date of May 2019. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Sonstegard-Telste plays a vital role in protecting the local community and enhancing water resource management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Sonstegard-Telste in mitigating flood risks along the Yellow Medicine River. As a key infrastructure project designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the MNDNR EWR, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective water management strategies in Minnesota. Its storage capacity, structural integrity, and regular inspections highlight its importance in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential disasters, making it a critical asset in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
YELLOW MEDICINE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
890 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Sonstegard-Telste