Pelican Rapids
Key Takeaway
Pelican Rapids is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 41.3% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 17 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 150 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 345 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 755 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2022 |
| NID ID | MN00190 |
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
City of Pelican Rapids
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Prairie Lake
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 8 ftEstlick F Wetland
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Low Hazard 7 ftLake Lizzie
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Unknown 8 ftPelican Lake
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 6 ftJorgenson Pond
Otter Tail, MN
Low Hazard 27 ftThompson Wetland
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Low Hazard 12 ftEldon Thompson
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pelican Rapids?
Pelican Rapids 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 Pelican Rapids?
Pelican Rapids is owned by City of Pelican Rapids (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pelican Rapids built?
Pelican Rapids was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Pelican Rapids?
Pelican Rapids serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Pelican Rapids?
Pelican Rapids has a dam height of 12 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 Pelican Rapids last inspected?
Pelican Rapids was last inspected on June 14, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.