Whitewater Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Whitewater Reservoir is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 35 ft (taller than 89.8% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 3,165 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 26.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,233 acres |
| Drainage Area | 112 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00770 |
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
MN Power and Light
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam
St. Louis, MN
Significant Hazard 31 ftEast Stephens Settling
St. Louis, MN
Low Hazard 15 ftWest Stephens Settling
St. Louis, MN
Low Hazard 10 ftDonora Settling
St. Louis, MN
Low Hazard 20 ftPoly Met Hrf Dam
St. Louis, MN
Significant Hazard 111 ftErie Basin 2
St. Louis, MN
Significant Hazard 250 ftErie Basin 1
St. Louis, MN
Significant Hazard 200 ftWynne Lake
St. Louis, MN
Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitewater Reservoir?
Whitewater Reservoir 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 Whitewater Reservoir?
Whitewater Reservoir is owned by MN Power and Light (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitewater Reservoir built?
Whitewater Reservoir was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Whitewater Reservoir?
Whitewater Reservoir serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whitewater Reservoir?
Whitewater Reservoir 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 Whitewater Reservoir last inspected?
Whitewater Reservoir was last inspected on October 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.