Summary
Louis County, Minnesota, is a man-made reservoir on the Pelican River with a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply. The dam, completed in 2002, is a gravity dam with a height of 8 feet and a length of 80 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 197,010 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 240,790 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 2050 acres and has a drainage area of 69.4 square miles.
Maintained by the local government, Pelican Lake is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Division of Ecological and Water Resources. With a controlled spillway and a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2013. Despite the very high risk of failure indicated by the risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is inspected every 8 years. In the event of an emergency, the reservoir's Emergency Action Plan status and preparation are currently unspecified.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pelican Lake presents an intriguing case study of a locally-managed reservoir with unique characteristics and risk factors. Its presence along the Pelican River adds to the ecological diversity of the region, and its regulated operation ensures a balance between water storage and flood risk management. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and monitoring the condition of dams like Pelican Lake becomes crucial for sustainable water management in the future.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
80 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
PELICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
2050 |
Hydraulic Height |
3.5 |
Drainage Area |
69.4 |
Nid Storage |
240790 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Pelican Lake