Birch Lake
Key Takeaway
Birch Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 7 ft (taller than 8.5% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 227 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 39.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,624 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,100 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,617 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00654 |
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
Allete, Inc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Birch Lake?
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 Birch Lake?
Birch Lake is owned by Allete, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Birch Lake built?
Birch Lake was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Birch Lake?
Birch Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Birch Lake?
Birch 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 Birch Lake last inspected?
Birch Lake was last inspected on July 24, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.