Ely Lake
Key Takeaway
Ely Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 6 ft (taller than 1.9% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 34 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 61.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 780 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 925 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1980 |
| NID ID | MN00005 |
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
MNDNR
State Government
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Significant Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ely Lake?
Ely 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 Ely Lake?
Ely Lake is owned by MNDNR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ely Lake built?
Ely Lake was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Ely Lake?
Ely Lake 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 Ely Lake?
Ely Lake has a dam height of 6 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 Ely Lake last inspected?
Ely Lake was last inspected on August 16, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.