Lake John
Key Takeaway
Lake John is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 43 ft (taller than 94.5% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 557 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 155 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00981 |
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
WD of Yellow Medicine River
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Wergeland 31
Yellow Medicine, MN
Low Hazard 20 ftCounty Road 109
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 25 ftDillon-Syltie-Boulton
Lincoln, MN
Significant Hazard 54 ftNorman 16
Yellow Medicine, MN
Low Hazard 17 ftMiller Estate Farm Pond West
Lincoln, MN
Low Hazard 26 ftMiller Estate Farm Pond
Lincoln, MN
Significant Hazard 20 ftCanby Lake Pond
Yellow Medicine, MN
Low Hazard 6 ftCanby R-1
Yellow Medicine, MN
High Hazard 62 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake John?
Lake John 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 Lake John?
Lake John is owned by WD of Yellow Medicine River (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake John built?
Lake John was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 John?
Lake John serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake John?
Lake John has a dam height of 43 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 John last inspected?
Lake John was last inspected on June 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.