Summary
This buttress dam stands at 26 feet in height and stretches 130 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 702,500 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 562,000 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its picturesque surroundings.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Kettle Falls is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2011, the dam undergoes regular inspections every four years to monitor its structural integrity. Although no emergency action plan is currently in place, the dam's risk management measures are continuously assessed to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
Congressional District 08's representative, Pete Stauber, oversees Kettle Falls within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While there are no associated lock structures, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and recreational opportunities offered by Kettle Falls, while also recognizing the importance of its regulatory oversight and maintenance practices in safeguarding the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
130 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
RAINY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Drainage Area |
9000 |
Nid Storage |
702500 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
|---|---|---|
B13 Peary Lake
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B3 Brown Lake
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B5 Cruiser Lake
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B1 Agnes Lake
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B6 Ek Lake
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B7 Jorgen Lake
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Kettle Falls