Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5
Key Takeaway
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is navigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 22 ft (taller than 66.3% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 19,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 106.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 57.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12,580 acres |
| Drainage Area | 58,845 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 270,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00589 |
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
USACE - St. Paul District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 is owned by USACE - St. Paul District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 built?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 serves the following purposes: Navigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 has a dam height of 22 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 Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 last inspected?
Mississippi River Lock and Dam 5 was last inspected on August 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.