Wild Rice Lake
Key Takeaway
Wild Rice Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1907 and is 119 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 11 ft (taller than 37.6% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 9.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,688 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1907 (119 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00613 |
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
Allete, Inc.
Private
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wild Rice Lake?
Wild Rice Lake 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 Wild Rice Lake?
Wild Rice Lake is owned by Allete, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wild Rice Lake built?
Wild Rice Lake was completed in 1907, making it 119 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 Wild Rice Lake?
Wild Rice Lake 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 Wild Rice Lake?
Wild Rice Lake has a dam height of 11 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 Wild Rice Lake last inspected?
Wild Rice Lake was last inspected on August 27, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.