Eldon Thompson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Eldon Thompson is a private fish and wildlife pond located in Barnesville, Minnesota, within the Otter Tail County.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1997 by USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 12 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 122 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Eldon Thompson is to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, with a normal storage capacity of 50.9 acre-feet and a surface area of 17 acres.

The dam on Eldon Thompson is classified as an earth dam with stone core types and a soil foundation. It has a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 70 cubic feet per second. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 10 feet. Despite the low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, and it undergoes inspection every 8 years.

Overall, Eldon Thompson serves as a valuable resource for conservation and wildlife management in the region. With its strategic location on TR Whisky Creek and its contribution to the enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting biodiversity in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

229

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR WHISKY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

122

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.