Fish Lake
Key Takeaway
Fish Lake is classified as high hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 25 ft (taller than 72.3% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 760 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 41.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 39.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,120 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00614 |
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
Allete, Inc.
Private
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fish Lake?
Fish Lake 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 Fish Lake?
Fish Lake is owned by Allete, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fish Lake built?
Fish Lake was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Fish Lake?
Fish Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fish Lake?
Fish Lake has a dam height of 25 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 Fish Lake last inspected?
Fish Lake was last inspected on September 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.