Lake Okabena Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Lake Okabena, also known as Worthington Dam, is a gravity-type dam located in Nobles County, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1941 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a structural height of 12 feet and a length of 50 feet, Lake Okabena has a normal storage capacity of 8368 acre-feet, providing ample opportunities for water-based activities on its 785-acre surface area.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Okabena is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition, with the last assessment conducted in July 2010. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Lake Okabena is classified as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment. With its picturesque setting and recreational offerings, Lake Okabena remains a cherished destination for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Minnesota's water resources.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

OCHEYDAN RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

785

Drainage Area

22.2

Nid Storage

10814

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.