Sonstegard-Telste

Yellow Medicine River-TR· Lyon, Minnesota· Built 1983· Earth· 42 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sonstegard-Telste is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 94.4% in MN)
Dam Length1,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage890 acre-ft
Normal Storage107 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge3,000 cfs
Year Completed1983 (43 years old)
NID IDMN01010

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 10, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

WD of Yellow Medicine River

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sonstegard-Telste?

Sonstegard-Telste is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Sonstegard-Telste?

Sonstegard-Telste is owned by WD of Yellow Medicine River (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sonstegard-Telste built?

Sonstegard-Telste was completed in 1983, making it 43 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Sonstegard-Telste?

Sonstegard-Telste serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sonstegard-Telste?

Sonstegard-Telste has a dam height of 42 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Sonstegard-Telste last inspected?

Sonstegard-Telste was last inspected on May 10, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.