Pillager

Crow Wing· Cass, Minnesota· Built 1917· Gravity· 22 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Pillager is classified as high hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 66.3% in MN)
Dam Length903 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage4.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.6K acre-ft
Surface Area768 acres
Drainage Area3,230 sq mi
Max Discharge21,000 cfs
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDMN00608

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 9, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

Allete, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pillager?

Pillager is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Pillager?

Pillager is owned by Allete, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pillager built?

Pillager 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 Pillager?

Pillager serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pillager?

Pillager 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 Pillager last inspected?

Pillager was last inspected on September 9, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.