Thief River Falls
Key Takeaway
Thief River Falls is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 25 ft (taller than 72.3% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 193 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,450 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1946 (80 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00502 |
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
City of Thief River Falls
Local Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Thief River Falls?
Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls?
Thief River Falls is owned by City of Thief River Falls (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Thief River Falls built?
Thief River Falls was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Thief River Falls?
Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls?
Thief River Falls has a dam height of 25 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 Thief River Falls last inspected?
Thief River Falls was last inspected on September 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.