Central (Wright)
Key Takeaway
Central (Wright) is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1921 and is 105 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 17 ft (taller than 55.8% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 183 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,250 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,650 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00195 |
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
Otter Tail Power Company
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Pisgah
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 26 ftDayton Hollow Dam
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 35 ftHoot Lake
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 10 ftPelican River
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 16 ftFriberg (Taplin Gorge)
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 31 ftOrwell Dam
Otter Tail, MN
High Hazard 10 ftRose Lake
Otter Tail, MN
Significant Hazard 16 ftStang Lake Dam
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Central (Wright)?
Central (Wright) 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 Central (Wright)?
Central (Wright) is owned by Otter Tail Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Central (Wright) built?
Central (Wright) was completed in 1921, making it 105 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 Central (Wright)?
Central (Wright) serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Central (Wright)?
Central (Wright) has a dam height of 17 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 Central (Wright) last inspected?
Central (Wright) was last inspected on September 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.