Runestone Park Wetland dam
Runestone Park Wetland
Runestone Park Wetland in Kensington, Minnesota, is a vital water resource managed by local government authorities for fish and wildlife conservation. Constructed in 1995 by the NRCS, this Earth dam structure serves as a sanctuary for various species in the region, with a primary purpose of maintaining a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The wetland covers an area of 54 acres and has a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet, with a controlled spillway to manage excess water flow.
Located in Douglas County along the Chippewa River, Runestone Park Wetland plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing a habitat for diverse aquatic life and serving as a recreational area for residents. The dam, with a height of 7 feet and a length of 40 feet, has been inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2017, the wetland is a well-maintained and secure water resource in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Runestone Park Wetland is classified as having a very high risk due to its critical importance for wildlife and water conservation. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are yet to be fully documented, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness. With its picturesque surroundings and ecological significance, this wetland stands as a testament to the efforts of local government agencies in preserving and protecting valuable water resources in Minnesota.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Runestone Park Wetland -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls | 489 cfs | → |
| Long Prairie River At Long Prairie | 174 cfs | → |
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 330 cfs | → |
| Bois De Sioux River Near White Rock | 3 cfs | → |
| Pomme De Terre River At Appleton | 211 cfs | → |
| Chippewa River Near Milan | 657 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Runestone Park Wetland.
Boat launches
- Viking Trail 16246, Douglas County
- Twin Lakes Road Southwest Douglas County
- Viking Trail Douglas County
- Brophy Park Road Northwest 1599, Douglas County
- Latoka Beach Road Southwest 3078, Douglas County
- East Lake Cowdry Road Douglas County
Track Runestone Park Wetland in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Runestone Park Wetland
Where does the data for Runestone Park Wetland come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Runestone Park Wetland.