Urness Lake Wma Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Urness Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Minnesota is a state-owned facility that serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, contributing to conservation efforts and providing a habitat for various species.


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Summary

The dam at Urness Lake WMA, completed in 1980, is an earth dam with a height of 7 feet and a length of 640 feet. It has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 20 acres, with a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second.

Located in Douglas County, Urness Lake WMA is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition. The area surrounding Urness Lake WMA is part of the Chippewa River watershed, contributing to the overall water resource management in the region.

With its strategic location and purposeful design, Urness Lake WMA stands as a vital component of the water resource and wildlife conservation efforts in Minnesota. The facility not only provides a suitable habitat for fish and wildlife but also plays a role in flood control and water storage within the Chippewa River watershed. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, the data behind Urness Lake WMA offers valuable insights into the management and conservation of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

CHIPPEWA RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.