Reservoir No. 2
Key Takeaway
Reservoir No. 2 is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 33 ft (taller than 87.8% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 4,450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 310 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00799 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
US Steel
Private
Nearby Dams
Reservoir No. 6
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 35 ftMesabi Chief Tailings 2
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 40 ftO'Brien North
Itasca, MN
Significant Hazard 49 ftMesabi Chief Clarification
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 24 ftMesabi Chief Tailings 3
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 24 ftButler Taconite Initial Tailings
Itasca, MN
Unknown 18 ftNspc Stage 2 Tailings
St. Louis, MN
Significant Hazard 60 ftEssar Steel Reclaim Pond
Itasca, MN
Low Hazard 70 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Reservoir No. 2?
Reservoir No. 2 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 Reservoir No. 2?
Reservoir No. 2 is owned by US Steel (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Reservoir No. 2 built?
Reservoir No. 2 was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Reservoir No. 2?
Reservoir No. 2 serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Reservoir No. 2?
Reservoir No. 2 has a dam height of 33 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 Reservoir No. 2 last inspected?
Reservoir No. 2 was last inspected on September 29, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.