Pike River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pike River, located in Tower, Minnesota, is a gravity dam completed in 1912 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 22 feet and a length of 250 feet, this dam has a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition. Despite its age, Pike River continues to be regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam has a storage capacity of 3,254 acre-feet and serves the surrounding area with a normal storage level of 2,049 acre-feet. The drainage area for Pike River is 185 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3,570 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a key feature in the region's water resource management. The last inspection in August 2019 highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to address safety concerns and prevent potential risks associated with its condition.

Overall, Pike River represents a historical and recreational landmark in St. Louis County, Minnesota, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. As efforts continue to ensure the dam's integrity and safety, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive management and maintenance of water infrastructure to safeguard communities and the environment for generations to come.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

PIKE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Drainage Area

185

Nid Storage

3254

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.