Feldmeier Detention Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Feldmeier Detention in Houston, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1974 by the NRCS for flood risk reduction on the Root River.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 29 feet and spanning 300 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of mitigating flood risks in the area. With a fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, Feldmeier Detention plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of the surrounding community.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its ongoing functionality and safety. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Feldmeier Detention is moderate. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 80 feet. The last inspection was conducted in May 2018, with regular inspections scheduled every 8 years to assess its condition and performance.
Located in the St. Paul District, Feldmeier Detention is part of the comprehensive flood risk reduction strategy in the region. With its strategic design and operational features, this earth dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource and climate management. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the role of dams like Feldmeier Detention becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
ROOT RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.1 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
31 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Root River Near Houston
|
472cfs |
South Fork Root River Near Houston
|
209cfs |
Root River Near Pilot Mound
|
303cfs |
Mississippi River At Winona
|
13700cfs |
La Crosse River Near La Crosse
|
348cfs |
Upper Iowa River Near Dorchester
|
147cfs |
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.
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Feldmeier Detention