Lake Emily Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Emily, located in Crow Wing, Minnesota, is a gravity dam with a primary purpose listed as "Other." Built in 1939, the dam stands at 11 feet tall and spans 36 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 9422 acre-feet.


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Summary

With a normal storage of 7403 acre-feet and a surface area of 694 acres, the dam serves the Little Pine River and covers a drainage area of 68 square miles. Despite its age, Lake Emily has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2013.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Emily's dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1300 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is very high, with a ranking of 1, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The surrounding area boasts a scenic landscape, making Lake Emily a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the intersection of nature and engineering in this man-made reservoir.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

36

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

LITTLE PINE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

694

Drainage Area

68

Nid Storage

9422

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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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.