Sand Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sibley 34 Titlow Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sand Lake, located in Le Sueur, Minnesota, is a state-regulated fish and wildlife pond designed by Ducks Unlimited.
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Summary
Completed in 2013, this 8-foot high dam with a storage capacity of 520 acre-feet serves as a crucial water resource in the region. The dam's primary purpose is to support fish and wildlife habitats, with a surface area of 120 acres and a drainage area of 0.8 square miles.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), Sand Lake features a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in April 2014. The dam is equipped with a slide gate outlet and is regularly inspected every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With its strategic location on Co. Ditch 5, Sand Lake plays a vital role in providing water resources for the surrounding ecosystem while minimizing the risk of inundation and flood events.
As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, Sand Lake not only supports diverse fish and wildlife populations but also contributes to the overall resilience of the region's climate and water systems. With its efficient design and state-of-the-art management practices, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of state agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities in safeguarding water resources for future generations of water and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
2013 |
Dam Length |
164 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
CO. DITCH 5 |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
120 |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
520 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Minnesota River At New Ulm
|
1130cfs |
Cottonwood River Near New Ulm
|
215cfs |
Little Cottonwood River Near Courtland
|
33cfs |
High Island Creek Near Henderson
|
5cfs |
Minnesota River At Mankato
|
3240cfs |
Blue Earth River Near Rapidan
|
328cfs |
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.
Sand Lake