Lake Calhoun Outlet Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Calhoun Diversion Green Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Calhoun Outlet, located in Kandiyohi, Minnesota, serves as a critical water resource structure on the Crow River Middle Fork.
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Summary
Built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA-C), this gravity dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 3.5 feet, providing essential regulation for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 3,726 acre-feet and a drainage area of 11.8 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management.
Owned and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Lake Calhoun Outlet is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of June 2016. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1,235 cubic feet per second, the outlet can efficiently release excess water during peak flow events, reducing the risk of downstream flooding. Additionally, the dam's association with the Crow River Middle Fork underscores its importance in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting various ecological functions.
As a key component of the St. Paul District's water infrastructure, the Lake Calhoun Outlet embodies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Minnesota. With a history of serving the community for over eight decades, this gravity dam continues to play a vital role in safeguarding against flood hazards and ensuring sustainable water supply for the region. Its strategic location and design reflect a commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change and maintaining the balance between human needs and environmental conservation in the Crow River watershed.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
24 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
CROW RIVER MIDDLE FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
617 |
Hydraulic Height |
3.5 |
Drainage Area |
11.8 |
Nid Storage |
5689 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
2400cfs |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
5320cfs |
Chippewa River Near Milan
|
624cfs |
Long Prairie River At Long Prairie
|
122cfs |
Minnesota River At Montevideo
|
1810cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Burke Lake State Rec Area
|
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Platte Creek State Rec Area
|
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Burke City Park
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Lake Calhoun Outlet