Purpose
The Lake Traverse Project provides flood control on the Bois de Sioux River and Red River Valley. While the effects on river stage to reduce flood crests is limited, the reservoir has a sizeable storage capacity. Additional authorized purposes are to store water for conservation and to preserve fish and wildlife habitat. The project area, especially Lake Traverse, is popular for waterfowl hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, and other outdoor recreational activities.
The repairs and modernization project focuses on three sites in the Lake Traverse area. The White Rock Dam gate machinery, Reservation Dam air bladders, and a highway culvert at Browns Valley are nearing their end of life. The White Rock gate machinery is difficult to operate and will be modernized for personnel safety. The Water Control Manual (WCM) will also be revisited and updated, specifically targeted at improving fish and wildlife benefits on Mud Lake.
Location
Lake Traverse, on the Minnesota and South Dakota border.
Description
The White Rock Dam gate machinery has been in operation since the 1930s. Gate movements require turning the wheel (with a portable drill) located on the piers with no walkways or safe access. White Rock also has some concrete deterioration needing repairs. Air bladders at the Reservation Dam are at the end of their lifecycle and will be replaced. A culvert under MN Highway 28 will be replaced to ensure interior drainage to the Little Minnesota River. Finally, the Water Control Manual (WCM) for Lake Traverse was last revised in 1994 and as part of this project will be updated to account for changes in land use affecting hydrology in the area and habitat improvements.
Status
The St. Paul District staff has been conducting field investigations, developing hydrologic and hydraulic models and developing plans and specifications for the three sites as well as the water control manual update. The White Rock Dam modernization project will be ready for contract award in August 2024. The Reservation Dam and Browns Valley Dike work will be completed and awarded in 2025. The Water Control Manual update will be complete in 2025.
Authority
The Lake Traverse Flood Control Project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of June 22, 1936, as modified by the Flood Control Act of June 28, 1938.
Funding
The Lake Traverse Modernization project is 100% federally funded.
FY 2023:
White Rock Dam modernization $3,125,000
Reservation Dam $250,000
Browns Valley Dike $100,000
Lake Traverse WCM update $550,000
FY 2024:
White Rock Dam modernization $350,000
Reservation Dam $200,000
Browns Valley Dike $150,000
Lake Traverse WCM update $300,000