Custer Twp 13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Custer Twp 13 is a private-owned dam located in Lyon County, Minnesota, specifically in the city of Lamberton.


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Summary

Built in 2005 by the engineering firm Bolton and Menk, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Coon Creek. With a storage capacity of 21.8 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.5 square miles, Custer Twp 13 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the region.

Maintained and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), Custer Twp 13 has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, the dam has not undergone recent modifications and is subject to inspection every 8 years. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets state permitting and enforcement requirements, ensuring its operational integrity in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related emergencies.

As part of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Custer Twp 13 contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the region, highlighting the vital role that private-owned dams play in protecting against flood hazards and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in Minnesota.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

COON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.7

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

21.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.