Pelican Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pelican Lake, located in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, is a man-made reservoir constructed in 1938 for purposes other than flood control or water supply.


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Summary

The dam at Pelican Lake is classified as a gravity dam with a height of 6 feet and a hydraulic height of 3.5 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 170,275 acre-feet and a surface area of 8,253 acres, making it a significant water resource in the area.

Managed by the local government, Pelican Lake is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced to maintain safety standards. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the reservoir poses a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area. With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge of 350 cubic feet per second, Pelican Lake plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

As a popular recreational spot in Breezy Point, Pelican Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to Pelican Brook-TR and its drainage area of 27.8 square miles make it a vital ecosystem supporting diverse flora and fauna. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can explore the unique features of Pelican Lake while appreciating its importance in the local community and environmental conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

38

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

PELICAN BROOK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

8253

Hydraulic Height

3.5

Drainage Area

27.8

Nid Storage

170275

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.