Elk River
Key Takeaway
Elk River is classified as high hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 23 ft (taller than 68.4% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 207 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 300 acres |
| Drainage Area | 234 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1916 (110 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1980 |
| NID ID | MN00516 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Elk River
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Elk River?
Elk River is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Elk River?
Elk River is owned by City of Elk River (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Elk River built?
Elk River was completed in 1916, making it 110 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 Elk River?
Elk River 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 Elk River?
Elk River has a dam height of 23 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 Elk River last inspected?
Elk River was last inspected on May 23, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.