Pine River Dam
Key Takeaway
Pine River Dam is classified as high hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1886 and is 140 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 23 ft (taller than 68.4% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 1,553 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 187.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 101.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13,700 acres |
| Drainage Area | 562 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1886 (140 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00582 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - St. Paul District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pine River Dam?
Pine River Dam 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 Pine River Dam?
Pine River Dam is owned by USACE - St. Paul District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pine River Dam built?
Pine River Dam was completed in 1886, making it 140 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 Pine River Dam?
Pine River Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Navigation, Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Pine River Dam?
Pine River Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Pine River Dam last inspected?
Pine River Dam was last inspected on May 15, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.