Twp Road 30 West Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Twp Road 30 West is a vital infrastructure project located in Lyon County, Minnesota, designed for flood risk reduction along the Cottonwood River.


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Summary

Completed in 1999, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 250 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 212 acre-feet. Despite its crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from flooding, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Twp Road 30 West serves as a key defense mechanism against potential inundation events. With a low hazard potential but moderate risk assessment rating, the dam presents a complex challenge for stakeholders involved in its upkeep. Regular inspections are conducted to monitor its structural integrity, with a prescribed frequency of every 8 years to assess its operational readiness and overall safety measures. Efforts to enhance the dam's risk management strategies and emergency response protocols are essential to mitigate potential threats and protect downstream communities.

As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of resilient water resource infrastructure like Twp Road 30 West cannot be overstated. Collaboration between state and local agencies, along with proactive maintenance and risk mitigation measures, will be crucial in ensuring the long-term functionality and effectiveness of this critical flood control structure. By prioritizing investments in infrastructure resilience and adaptation strategies, stakeholders can better protect communities and ecosystems in the face of a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

212

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.