Clearwater River

Clearwater River· Stearns, Minnesota· Built 1937· Gravity· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Grade Stabilization Local Government

Key Takeaway

Clearwater River is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is grade stabilization.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 50.4% in MN)
Dam Length33 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage102 acre-ft
Normal Storage7 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area175 sq mi
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDMN01331

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

County of Stearns;County of Wright

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clearwater River?

Clearwater River 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 Clearwater River?

Clearwater River is owned by County of Stearns;County of Wright (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clearwater River built?

Clearwater River was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Clearwater River?

Clearwater River serves the following purposes: Grade Stabilization. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Clearwater River?

Clearwater River has a dam height of 15 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 Clearwater River last inspected?

Clearwater River was last inspected on July 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.