Lower Red Lake Nr Red Lake Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Minnesota

Nearby: Red Lake River Big Swamp

Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Lower Red Lake is located in northern Minnesota and is the largest natural freshwater lake in the state.

Summary

It has a rich history with the Ojibwe tribe, who have fished and hunted in the area for centuries. The lake is fed by the Red Lake River and other smaller streams, and has an extensive wetland complex that helps filter the water. The area also receives significant snowfall in the winter, which contributes to the lake's water levels. Agricultural activities in the area include corn, soybeans, and wheat production. Recreational uses of the lake include fishing, boating, and camping. The lake has been the focus of conservation efforts to improve water quality and protect sensitive habitats, such as the wild rice beds that grow in the shallows.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

15-Day Weather Outlook

Reservoir Details

Gage Height, Ft 24hr Change	-0.03%
Percent of Normal	100%
Minimum	72.38 ft 2012-10-05
Maximum	77.03 ft 2011-06-22
Average	74 ft
Dam_Height	15
Hydraulic_Height	13
Drainage_Area	1921
Year_Completed	1931
Nid_Storage	3428000
River_Or_Stream	RED LAKE RIVER
Structural_Height	17
Foundations	Soil
Surface_Area	288640
Outlet_Gates	Slide (sluice gate) - 4
Dam_Length	36500
Hazard_Potential	Low
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Nid_Height	17

Seasonal Comparison

Gage Height, Ft Levels

Precipitation, Cumulative, Inches Levels

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Red Lake River Near Red Lake 137.0cfs	137cfs
Red Lake River At High Landing Nr Goodridge 323.0cfs	323cfs
Lost River At Oklee 192.0cfs	192cfs
Clearwater River At Plummer 386.0cfs	386cfs
Mississippi River Near Bemidji 208.0cfs	208cfs
Thief River Near Thief River Falls 45.2cfs	45cfs

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.

SNOFLO^®