Sauk River Melrose

Sauk River· Stearns, Minnesota· Built 1873· Gravity· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sauk River Melrose is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1873 and is 153 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 48.1% in MN)
Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage600 acre-ft
Normal Storage395 acre-ft
Surface Area75 acres
Drainage Area434 sq mi
Max Discharge6,000 cfs
Year Completed1873 (153 years old)
Year Modified2021
NID IDMN00561

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: No
Last Inspection: August 30, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

City of Melrose

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sauk River Melrose?

Sauk River Melrose 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 Sauk River Melrose?

Sauk River Melrose is owned by City of Melrose (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sauk River Melrose built?

Sauk River Melrose was completed in 1873, making it 153 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 Sauk River Melrose?

Sauk River Melrose serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sauk River Melrose?

Sauk River Melrose has a dam height of 14 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 Sauk River Melrose last inspected?

Sauk River Melrose was last inspected on August 30, 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.