Big Stone Lake dam
Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake in Minnesota is a state-regulated water resource located along the Minnesota River, with a dam completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA-CW). The dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 205,000 acre-feet, serving as a vital source for water management in the region. With a surface area of 12,094 acres and a drainage area of 1,182 square miles, the lake plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and regulating flow downstream.
The Big Stone Lake dam, with a spillway width of 77 feet, has a significant hazard potential and is classified in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2008. Inspections are conducted regularly, with the last inspection in August 2019, highlighting the commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure. The lake's primary purpose is listed as "Other," indicating its multifaceted role in water resource management, with a normal storage capacity of 100,880 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 5,600 cubic feet per second.
Located in Ortonville, Big Stone Lake is a key water resource managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) to meet various regulatory standards. The dam's construction and operation are overseen by state agencies, reflecting a comprehensive approach to water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate trends will find Big Stone Lake an intriguing case study in sustainable water management practices and the complexities of balancing environmental protection and human needs in a changing climate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Big Stone Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota River At Ortonville | 90 cfs | → |
| Whetstone River Near Big Stone City | 67 cfs | → |
| Yellow Bank River Near Odessa | 62 cfs | → |
| Pomme De Terre River At Appleton | 210 cfs | → |
| Little Minnesota River Near Peever | 53 cfs | → |
| Lac Qui Parle River Near Lac Qui Parle | 195 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Stone Lake.
Boat launches
- Rocky Point Big Stone City
- Roberts County
- County Road 53 Big Stone County
- Swift County
- Mn 27 4906, Traverse County
- Mn 27 4924, Traverse County
Track Big Stone Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Big Stone Lake
Where does the data for Big Stone Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Big Stone Lake.