Big Birch Lake
Key Takeaway
Big Birch Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1992 and is 34 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 41.3% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 16 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 81.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 75.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,112 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00001 |
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
Township of Birchdale
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch 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 Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake is owned by Township of Birchdale (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Birch Lake built?
Big Birch Lake was completed in 1992, making it 34 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 Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch 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 Big Birch Lake?
Big Birch Lake has a dam height of 12 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 Big Birch Lake last inspected?
Big Birch Lake was last inspected on October 5, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.