Pokegama Dam

MISSISSIPPI· Itasca, Minnesota· Built 1884· Concrete· 17 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Pokegama Dam is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1884 and is 142 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 55.8% in MN)
Dam Length385 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage120.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage82.0K acre-ft
Surface Area13,000 acres
Drainage Area660 sq mi
Max Discharge6,000 cfs
Year Completed1884 (142 years old)
NID IDMN00584

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 13, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - St. Paul District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pokegama Dam?

Pokegama Dam 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 Pokegama Dam?

Pokegama 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 Pokegama Dam built?

Pokegama Dam was completed in 1884, making it 142 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 Pokegama Dam?

Pokegama Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, 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 Pokegama Dam?

Pokegama Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Pokegama Dam last inspected?

Pokegama Dam was last inspected on July 13, 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.