Maple River Diversion Reservoir Report
Nearby: Minnesota Lake Cottonwood Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Maple River Diversion in Minnesota Lake, Faribault County, is a state-regulated structure designed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) with a primary purpose classified as "Other." The dam is made of concrete with a height of 7 feet and a length of 32 feet, creating a storage capacity of 628 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 50 square miles along the Maple River.
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Summary
With a spillway width of 30 feet and a low hazard potential, the dam has been assessed to be in fair condition as of May 2009.
Located in S16 T104N R25W, the Maple River Diversion plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the structure has not undergone any modifications in recent years and has no outlet gates or associated locks. The dam's last inspection in November 2008 revealed a need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety. As climate change impacts water resources, maintaining and managing structures like Maple River Diversion becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management in the area.
As a key part of the local water infrastructure, Maple River Diversion contributes to the overall water management strategy in the region. With the potential to impact downstream communities and ecosystems, the dam's condition assessment, risk management measures, and emergency action plans need to be regularly updated and adhered to. By staying vigilant and proactive in monitoring and maintaining the dam, authorities can ensure the safety and effectiveness of Maple River Diversion for both water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Dam Length |
32 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
MAPLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1884 |
Drainage Area |
50 |
Nid Storage |
628 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Le Sueur River Near Rapidan
|
179cfs |
Blue Earth River Near Rapidan
|
328cfs |
Watonwan River Near Garden City
|
82cfs |
Minnesota River At Mankato
|
2870cfs |
Little Cottonwood River Near Courtland
|
33cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
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.
Maple River Diversion
571st Lane Blue Earth County