Winnibigoshish Dam
Key Takeaway
Winnibigoshish Dam is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1884 and is 142 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 23 ft (taller than 68.4% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 962 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 550.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 220.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 68,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,442 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1884 (142 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00586 |
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
USACE - St. Paul District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Winnibigoshish Dam?
Winnibigoshish 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 Winnibigoshish Dam?
Winnibigoshish Dam is owned by USACE - St. Paul District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Winnibigoshish Dam built?
Winnibigoshish Dam was completed in 1884, making it 142 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 Winnibigoshish Dam?
Winnibigoshish Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Winnibigoshish Dam?
Winnibigoshish Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Winnibigoshish Dam last inspected?
Winnibigoshish Dam was last inspected on July 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.