Knife Lake
Key Takeaway
Knife Lake is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 63.7% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 725 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 11.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,277 acres |
| Drainage Area | 92 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,950 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00400 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
County of Kanabec;LID of Knife Lake;SWCD of Kanabec
Local Government
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Knife Lake?
Knife Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Knife Lake?
Knife Lake is owned by County of Kanabec;LID of Knife Lake;SWCD of Kanabec (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Knife Lake built?
Knife Lake was completed in 1983, making it 43 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 Knife Lake?
Knife 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 Knife Lake?
Knife Lake has a dam height of 21 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 Knife Lake last inspected?
Knife Lake was last inspected on June 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.