Daniels Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Daniels Pond, located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota, is a privately owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Completed in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 580 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is listed as "Other," with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2017.

The dam's spillway is of the controlled type, and the outlet gates are uncontrolled. With a maximum discharge of 260 cubic feet per second, the dam serves to control water flow on the Vermilion River-TR. Despite its low hazard potential, risk assessments classify Daniels Pond as having a very high risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and management measures. The dam is inspected every 8 years, with the last assessment conducted in August 2017, ensuring its continued safety and reliability in the face of variable climate conditions. Passionate water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the intricate details and critical role of Daniels Pond in water management within the region.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

VERMILION RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

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.