Norway Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Norway Lake, located in Pine River, Minnesota, is a picturesque reservoir known for its recreational opportunities.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this dam was completed in 1909 and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a dam height of 9 feet and a storage capacity of 3720 acre-feet, this earth and buttress dam creates a surface area of 500 acres and drains a 149-square mile watershed.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Norway Lake remains a popular destination for water enthusiasts. Its controlled spillway and vertical lift outlet gates ensure proper water management, while the dam's very high risk assessment rating underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a history dating back over a century, this dam continues to be a vital resource for both residents and visitors seeking outdoor enjoyment in Cass County, Minnesota.

Year Completed

1909

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

PINE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

500

Hydraulic Height

1.2

Drainage Area

149

Nid Storage

3720

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.