Sartell

Mississippi River· Benton, Minnesota· Built 1964· Gravity· 46 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Sartell is classified as high hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 46 ft (taller than 95.4% in MN)
Dam Length622 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage15.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.5K acre-ft
Surface Area2,400 acres
Drainage Area12,265 sq mi
Max Discharge48,000 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDMN00505

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 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sartell?

Sartell 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 Sartell?

Sartell is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sartell built?

Sartell was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Sartell?

Sartell 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 Sartell?

Sartell has a dam height of 46 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 Sartell last inspected?

Sartell was last inspected on September 29, 2022. 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.