Willow River
Key Takeaway
Willow River is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 63.7% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 377 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 672 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 420 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 84 acres |
| Drainage Area | 118 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,710 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00544 |
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
MNDNR-EWR
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Willow River?
Willow River 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 Willow River?
Willow River is owned by MNDNR-EWR (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Willow River built?
Willow River was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Willow River?
Willow River 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 Willow River?
Willow River has a dam height of 21 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 Willow River last inspected?
Willow River was last inspected on October 7, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.