Marshall Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marshall Lake, located in Becker County, Minnesota, is a fascinating Earth dam constructed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose classified as 'Other'.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 97 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2287 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 2250 acre-feet and a surface area of 160 acres, Marshall Lake plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Marshall Lake Dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlets. It has a low hazard potential and is assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2015. The dam is associated with the Buffalo River-TR and has a drainage area of 0.9 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 450 cubic feet per second.

Despite its low hazard potential, Marshall Lake Dam poses a moderate risk, indicating the importance of ongoing risk management measures. With its unique design and contribution to water resource management in the area, Marshall Lake is a significant structure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

97

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

BUFFALO RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

160

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

2287

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.