Diamond Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Diamond Lake, located in Crow River, Minnesota, is a gravity dam completed in 1932 with a primary purpose of "Other." The dam stands at 7 feet tall with a length of 41 feet, providing a storage capacity of 44,908 acre-feet.


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Summary

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is in poor condition as of its last inspection in 2015. The reservoir covers an area of 1,660 acres and has a drainage area of 14.4 square miles, with a maximum discharge of 185 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Diamond Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies. The dam is situated within the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to state regulatory oversight. Although the dam's condition is assessed as poor, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified in the data. The dam's location in Kandiyohi County adds to its significance as a critical water resource in the region, serving various purposes beyond flood control and water storage.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Diamond Lake offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure management and the intersection of environmental stewardship and public safety. The dam's historical significance, coupled with its current condition assessment and regulatory oversight, present an opportunity to delve into the complexities of balancing water resource management with infrastructure maintenance and risk mitigation. As a key feature in the local landscape, Diamond Lake serves as a focal point for discussions on sustainable water management practices, climate resilience, and the role of state agencies in safeguarding critical water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

41

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

COUNTY DITCH 28

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1660

Drainage Area

14.4

Nid Storage

44908

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.