Otter Tail Lake
Key Takeaway
Otter Tail Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is other.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 6 ft (taller than 1.9% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 125 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 557.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 506.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14,745 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,160 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,372 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2022 |
| NID ID | MN00209 |
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
MNDNR-EWR
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake 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 Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake is owned by MNDNR-EWR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otter Tail Lake built?
Otter Tail Lake was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Otter Tail Lake?
Otter Tail Lake 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 Otter Tail Lake last inspected?
Otter Tail Lake was last inspected on August 31, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.