Benton Lake
Key Takeaway
Benton Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 7 ft (taller than 8.5% in MN) |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 6.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,875 acres |
| Drainage Area | 44 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2021 |
| NID ID | MN01848 |
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
County of Lincoln
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lake Benton 25
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 16 ftAlbers Pond
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 22 ftDrammen 15
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 22 ftCoon Creek 18
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 8 ftLincoln County Road 101
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 14 ftTwp Road 87
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 15 ftLake Shaokatan
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 6 ftShaokatan 11
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Benton Lake?
Benton 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 Benton Lake?
Benton Lake is owned by County of Lincoln (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Benton Lake built?
Benton Lake was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Benton Lake?
Benton Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Benton Lake?
Benton Lake has a dam height of 7 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 Benton Lake last inspected?
Benton Lake was last inspected on September 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.