Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment

Cannon River· Dakota, Minnesota· Built 1911· Earth· 6 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment 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 6 ft (taller than 1.9% in MN)
Dam Length2,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage18.5K acre-ft
Surface Area1,430 acres
Drainage Area1,160 sq mi
Max Discharge94,500 cfs
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDMN00514

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 13, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

Dakota And Goodhue Counties

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment?

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment 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 Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment?

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment is owned by Dakota And Goodhue Counties (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment built?

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment 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 Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment?

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment 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 Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment?

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment 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 Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment last inspected?

Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment was last inspected on September 13, 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.