Mlo Partnership Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Houston, Minnesota, the Mlo Partnership is a privately owned dam that serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Hippie Creek-TR.


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Summary

The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its efficacy in flood prevention. With a height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 31.3 acre-feet, the Mlo Partnership dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the Winona County area.

Although the dam's hazard potential is rated as low and its condition assessment is not rated, the Mlo Partnership has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps. Despite these shortcomings, the dam continues to fulfill its essential function of flood risk reduction in the region. As a notable feature within the St. Paul District, the Mlo Partnership stands as a vital asset in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flood events and ensuring water resource sustainability in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the Mlo Partnership for its crucial role in flood prevention and management in Minnesota. By understanding the dam's specifications, ownership, and regulatory oversight, enthusiasts can gain insight into the complexities of water infrastructure and the importance of maintaining these structures to safeguard communities and ecosystems. As discussions around climate change intensify, the Mlo Partnership serves as a tangible example of how proactive measures can be taken to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on water resources and infrastructure.

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

HIPPIE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

31.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.