Lower Red Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Lower Red Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is other.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 50.4% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 36,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 288,640 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,921 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00573 |
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
USACE - St. Paul District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Red Lake Dam?
Lower Red Lake Dam 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 Lower Red Lake Dam?
Lower Red Lake Dam is owned by USACE - St. Paul District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Red Lake Dam built?
Lower Red Lake Dam was completed in 1931, making it 95 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 Lower Red Lake Dam?
Lower Red Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower Red Lake Dam?
Lower Red Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Lower Red Lake Dam last inspected?
Lower Red Lake Dam was last inspected on July 15, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.