Parnell Impoundment dam
Parnell Impoundment
Parnell Impoundment in Polk, Minnesota is a local government-owned structure designed by HDR ENG for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. Completed in 1998, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 751 acre-feet. The impoundment covers a surface area of 23 acres and drains an area of 4.1 square miles, with a low hazard potential and current condition assessment rated as "Not Rated".
Located in Oslo, Minnesota along the Grand Marais Creek-TR, Parnell Impoundment is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR). While the dam is inspected every 8 years, its last assessment was conducted in August 2014. With no associated structures or locks, and a spillway width of 0 feet, the impoundment plays a crucial role in supporting local fish and wildlife populations. While the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is not specified, the site's risk assessment and management measures are currently undetermined.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Parnell Impoundment offers a fascinating glimpse into the careful management of a Fish and Wildlife Pond in Minnesota. This structure not only provides important habitat for local species but also serves as a vital component of the region's water management infrastructure. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, Parnell Impoundment stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource practices in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity in the area.
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 Parnell Impoundment -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lake River At Crookston | 643 cfs | → |
| Clearwater River At Red Lake Falls | 218 cfs | → |
| Red Lake River At Fisher | 750 cfs | → |
| Cyr Creek Near Marcoux Corners | 42 cfs | → |
| Red River Of The North Near Thompson | 2,030 cfs | → |
| Judicial Ditch 64 Near Mentor | 43 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Parnell Impoundment.
Boat launches
- Us Highway 75 Polk County
- Bridge Street Crookston
- Red Lake Falls
- Red Lake County
- 3rd Avenue Southeast East Grand Forks
- Grand Forks
Track Parnell Impoundment 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 Parnell Impoundment
Where does the data for Parnell Impoundment 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 Parnell Impoundment.