Aerial view of the Chippewa Diversion, Watson, Minnesota.
Purpose
The Chippewa Diversion structure redirect flows from the Chippewa River to the Minnesota River via the Lac qui Parle embankment dam. The structure includes one Tainter gate and a low-flow culvert with sluice gate. The site also includes a low-flow channel. Maintenance is required once the Tainter gate, concrete gate structure, electrical components and low-flow channel are complete.
Location
The Chippewa Diversion is located on the Chippewa River in Watson, Minnesota, approximately 4 miles east of the Lac qui Parle Dam.
Description
The Chippewa Diversion requires routine maintenance activities that include sandblasting and painting of the Tainter gate, concrete repairs to the diversion structure, electrical repairs and upgrades, and excavation of accumulated sediment in the low-flow channel.
Status
The St. Paul District has completed the plans and specifications for the concrete repairs and gate painting activities. Construction completion is pending the district receiving necessary funds to award a construction contract.
The St. Paul District has also completed plans and specifications for sediment excavation of the low-flow channel, with an expected completion in fall 2027. The excavation work is funded and will be completed by the district’s maintenance and repair staff.
The electrical repairs have been awarded to an electrical contractor, with work to be completed in spring 2026.
Authority
The dam is part of the Lac qui Parle Project authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 (Public Law 74-738).
Funding
This is a 100% federally funded project. The St. Paul District received $1.35 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds in fiscal year 2022. An additional $3.9 million will be required to award construction contracts for the remaining maintenance activities.