Fall Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fall Lake, located in Winton, Minnesota, is a captivating water resource managed by the Superior National Forest.


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Summary

This rockfill dam, completed in 1989, serves primarily for recreation purposes but also supports navigation. With a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 17,000 acre-feet, Fall Lake covers a surface area of 2,173 acres and drains a watershed area of 1,353 acres through the Kawishiwi River.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 245 feet, is uncontrolled and has a low hazard potential. Despite being in a moderate risk area, Fall Lake has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is owned, funded, designed, constructed, regulated, inspected, and operated by the Forest Service, ensuring comprehensive oversight and compliance with state regulations. Water enthusiasts and climate advocates will be intrigued by Fall Lake's role in providing recreational opportunities while maintaining environmental integrity and safety.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

2

River Or Stream

KAWISHIWI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

2173

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

1353

Nid Storage

17000

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.