Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam 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 | 31 ft (taller than 85% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 2,160 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 | MN00771 |
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
St. Louis, MN
Significant Hazard 35 ftEast Stephens Settling
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Low Hazard 15 ftWest Stephens Settling
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Low Hazard 10 ftDonora Settling
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Low Hazard 20 ftPoly Met Hrf Dam
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Significant Hazard 111 ftErie Basin 2
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Significant Hazard 250 ftErie Basin 1
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Significant Hazard 200 ftWynne Lake
St. Louis, MN
Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam?
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam 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 Saddle Dam?
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam 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 Saddle Dam built?
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam 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 Saddle Dam?
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam 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 Saddle Dam?
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Saddle Dam last inspected?
Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam was last inspected on October 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.