Prairie River
Key Takeaway
Prairie River is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 35 ft (taller than 89.8% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 1,160 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 17.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 446 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00609 |
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
Allete, Inc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Lind Greenway
Itasca, MN
Significant Hazard 58 ftBuckeye Tailings No. 2
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Low Hazard 50 ftHunner Tailings
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 25 ftCanisteo Pit
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Low Hazard 75 ftCanisteo No. 2 North
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 100 ftGrand Rapids
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Significant Hazard 21 ftOrwell-Danube West Tailings Basin
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Low Hazard 40 ftPokegama Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Prairie River?
Prairie River 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 Prairie River?
Prairie River is owned by Allete, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Prairie River built?
Prairie River was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Prairie River?
Prairie River serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Prairie River?
Prairie River has a dam height of 35 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 Prairie River last inspected?
Prairie River was last inspected on September 1, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.