Nordland Twp 15 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oknoname 113003 Oknoname 113008
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nordland Twp 15, located in Lyon County, Minnesota, is a privately owned dam built in 2013 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Yellow Medicine River.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at 21 feet in height and extends 225 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the dam has a low hazard potential and was deemed to be in satisfactory condition during its last inspection in September 2013.
With its strategic location in S15 T112N R43W, Nordland Twp 15 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam, equipped with buttress core types, is subject to regular inspections every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood risk mitigation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's presence serves as a vital asset in the region's water resource management efforts, showcasing the importance of infrastructure like Nordland Twp 15 in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.
Managed by private owners, Nordland Twp 15 stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in enhancing water resource resilience and climate adaptation strategies. With its successful track record in flood risk reduction, the dam serves as a model for sustainable infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in addressing the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nordland Twp 15 offers valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure management, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the face of evolving climate dynamics.
Year Completed |
2013 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
YELLOW MEDICINE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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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