Balsam Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Balsam Lake, located in Crooked Lake, Minnesota, is a state-regulated dam with a gravity type structure designed by WPA-C-CW and completed in 1936.


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Summary

This dam, standing at a height of 16 feet and a length of 30 feet, serves a primary purpose classified as 'Other'. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 13,980 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 16,776 acre-feet, and a surface area of 103 acres. Balsam Lake is situated on Balsam Creek, within the St. Paul District, and is owned by the state of Minnesota.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Balsam Lake dam is inspected every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The last inspection was conducted in June 2018, with the dam meeting regulatory requirements and guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR). The dam is equipped with emergency action plans (EAP) and has emergency contacts updated regularly, further enhancing its risk management measures.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Balsam Lake dam to be a fascinating structure, not only for its historical significance as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project but also for its vital role in water management and flood control within the Itasca County area. As a regulated and inspected dam, Balsam Lake serves as a testament to the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of its water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

30

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

BALSAM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

103

Hydraulic Height

3.5

Drainage Area

42

Nid Storage

16776

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.