Sodus 23 & 26 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Sodus 23 & 26, located in Lyon County, Minnesota, is a water resource structure designed for roadway retention along Meadow Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This buttress dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a length of 450 feet, providing a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet. While the primary purpose of the dam is not specified, it is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Managed by the local government, Sodus 23 & 26 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its modest risk level, the dam is subject to state regulatory oversight, permitting, and enforcement to safeguard against potential risks. With a recent inspection conducted in April 2019 and an established inspection frequency of 8 years, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are yet to be fully documented.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sodus 23 & 26 serves as a notable structure in Minnesota's water management infrastructure. Its presence along Meadow Creek contributes to the region's drainage area of 1.6 square miles, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both water resource management and safety purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of structures like Sodus 23 & 26 in flood control and water storage becomes increasingly vital for sustainable water management practices in the region.

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

MEADOW CREEK-TR

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

340

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.