Esquagama Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Esquagama Lake, located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota, is a gravity dam constructed in 1937 with a primary purpose of "Other." The dam stands at a structural height of 12 feet, with a hydraulic height of 4.4 feet and a dam length of 125 feet. This dam serves a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage, with a normal storage capacity of 16,570 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 17,768 acre-feet.

The lake covers a surface area of 453 acres and has a drainage area of 159 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1,450 cubic feet per second. Esquagama Lake's spillway type is controlled, and it has a low hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of February 2018. While the risk assessment for the dam is categorized as "Very High (1)," it is important to note that the dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.

Esquagama Lake plays a vital role in the water resource management of the area, providing regulatory functions for the Embarrass River. With its historical significance as a Works Progress Administration project, the dam continues to serve its purpose in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water supply stability in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Esquagama Lake represents an essential infrastructure that contributes to the environmental sustainability and resilience of the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

8.6

River Or Stream

EMBARRASS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

453

Hydraulic Height

4.4

Drainage Area

159

Nid Storage

17768

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.