Balsam Lake
Key Takeaway
Balsam Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 25.1% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 50 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 178 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 103 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00621 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USFWS
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake is owned by USFWS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Balsam Lake built?
Balsam Lake was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Balsam Lake?
Balsam Lake has a dam height of 9 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.