Army Corps inspects Orwell Dam on Otter Tail River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, from Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, inspected its Orwell Dam about 6 miles south of Fergus Falls.

Army Corps dams are carefully inspected every five years to allow engineers to gather performance information. This data is used to schedule maintenance activities.

Orwell Dam was constructed in 1953, with a height of 60 feet. Created was Orwell Lake, with a normal water surface of 1.3 square miles.

The dam was created for flood control, irrigation water storage and recreation for fishing, hunting and picnics.

“These inspections involve engineers looking at a variety of aspects of the project to ensure the structure is sound and can safely perform when needed,” said Army Corps employee John Fromuth of Fergus Falls, who oversees site maintenance.

Fromuth, who led a news media tour at Orwell Dam on Nov. 5, said the main purpose of inspections is to identify anything that’s unsafe and make the necessary repairs before major issues develop.

“Orwell Dam needs to be operational 24 hours a day, all four seasons of the year,” Fromuth said.

One motor raises and lowers the flood gate, and there is a backup motor to be used when needed.

All mechanical and electrical equipment were replaced at Orwell Dam in the early 1990s, ensuring longevity for this dam south of Fergus Falls.

“Public safety is our number one priority,” Fromuth said.

And while Army Corps dams are carefully inspected every five years, Fromuth emphasizes that annual and frequent informal inspections are carried out by engineers and operations staff.

Water from Orwell Dam flows westward, along the Otter Tail River, to Wahpeton-Breckenridge where the river connects with the Boise de Sioux River to form the Red River of the North. The Red River flows north to Fargo-Moorhead, then to Grand Forks and then northward to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

A close watch on Orwell Dam takes place during the winter months. Heat shields (shrouds) are in place to reduce ice buildup. During warmer weather, even gopher holes are inspected.

“Those gopher holes can raise havoc on the security of the dike at the Orwell Dam complex,” Fromuth said.

The year 2023 will mark the 70th anniversary of Orwell Dam. “Out mission is to properly maintain this dam so it can be safely used for many

years to come,” Fromuth added. “At the same time, we’re proud to see residents of Otter Tail County coming to the Orwell complex to enjoy fishing, hunting, picnics and hiking.”