Spring Grove Group Structure dam
Spring Grove Group Structure
The Spring Grove Group Structure in Minnesota, managed by a private owner with design input from the USDA NRCS, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along Bear Creek. Completed in 1983, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 380 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, this structure is regulated and inspected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its effectiveness in mitigating flooding in the area.
Located in Houston County, Minnesota, the Spring Grove Group Structure is a key component in the flood management infrastructure of the region. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 852 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a critical barrier against potential water-related disasters. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the structure is maintained in accordance with state regulations and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its functionality in safeguarding the surrounding community.
Managed by a private entity, the Spring Grove Group Structure stands as a testament to effective collaboration between government agencies and private owners in water resource management. With a focus on flood risk reduction and a design tailored towards optimal hydraulic performance, this dam represents a successful example of sustainable infrastructure that prioritizes both public safety and environmental protection. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, structures like the Spring Grove Group play a vital role in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate on local communities.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Spring Grove Group Structure -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa River Near Dorchester | 8,300 cfs | → |
| South Fork Root River Near Houston | 344 cfs | → |
| Root River Near Houston | 4,380 cfs | → |
| Upper Iowa River At Bluffton | 4,400 cfs | → |
| Upper Iowa River At Decorah | 8,760 cfs | → |
| Root River Near Pilot Mound | 1,870 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Spring Grove Group Structure.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Spring Grove Group Structure
Where does the data for Spring Grove Group Structure come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.