Hickson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hickson Dam West Pond
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hickson is a stone dam located on the Red River in Minnesota, specifically in Clay County.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this dam serves the primary purpose of grade stabilization and has a NID storage capacity of 452 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2015, Hickson plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hickson is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safe operation. While the dam itself is relatively small with a height of 10 feet, it contributes to the overall drainage area of 4202 acres. The last inspection conducted in May 2015 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, highlighting its importance in maintaining water quality and flow along the Red River.
Despite its modest size, Hickson represents a vital piece of infrastructure for water resource and climate management in Minnesota. With its purposeful design for grade stabilization and its low hazard potential, the dam serves as a key component in the state's regulatory framework. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Hickson play an essential role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential risks associated with extreme weather events and changing hydrological patterns.
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
RED RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Stone |
Drainage Area |
4202 |
Nid Storage |
452 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hickson