Alta Vista Twp 34 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Alta Vista Twp 34, located in Lincoln, Minnesota, along the Yellow Medicine River, is a privately owned Rockfill dam designed for flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 26.6 feet and a storage capacity of 23.4 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam, with a structural height of 400 feet and a length of 400 feet, serves as a vital component in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition, Alta Vista Twp 34 remains an integral part of the local water infrastructure. With its strategic location and purpose-driven design, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience.

While specific details about the dam's construction date, spillway type, and risk management measures are not provided, the structure's significance in flood risk reduction cannot be understated. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like Alta Vista Twp 34 in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and enhancing climate resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

26.6

River Or Stream

YELLOW MEDICINE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

23.4

Structural Height

400

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

400
       
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.