Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1
Key Takeaway
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is navigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 49 ft (taller than 96.1% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 742 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 9.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 19,500 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 742 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00593 |
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; Ford Motor Company
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Snelling Lake
Hennepin, MN
Low Hazard 12 ftMac Pond 2
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Low Hazard 35 ftSt. Anthony Falls Lower Lock and Dam
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Significant Hazard 41 ftSt. Anthony Falls Upper Lock and Dam
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Significant Hazard 83 ftBlack Dog Lake
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Low Hazard 20 ftArlington Detention
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Significant Hazard 10 ftBlack Dog Lake West
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Low Hazard 20 ftKaposia Park
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Significant Hazard 79 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1?
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 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 Locks and Dam 1?
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 is owned by USACE - St. Paul District; Ford Motor Company (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 built?
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Locks and Dam 1?
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 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 Locks and Dam 1?
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 has a dam height of 49 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 Locks and Dam 1 last inspected?
Mississippi River Locks and Dam 1 was last inspected on July 13, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.