Lake Miltona Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Miltona, located in Alexandria, Minnesota, is a state-regulated body of water with a dam designed by WPA-C and completed in 1937.


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Summary

The dam, standing at 8 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 1.8 feet, serves a primary purpose classified as 'Other'. It has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2016. With a storage capacity of 280,224 acre-feet and a surface area of 5724 acres, Lake Miltona plays a crucial role in the local water resource management and climate regulation efforts.

The dam on Lake Miltona is situated on the Long Prairie River-TR, with a drainage area of 70 square miles. Its maximum discharge capacity reaches 975 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective flood control measures for the surrounding area. The dam's location, within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights its strategic importance in the broader ecosystem. Despite being a man-made structure, Lake Miltona seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, offering recreational opportunities and supporting diverse aquatic habitats.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in Douglas County, Lake Miltona exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. Its design, construction, and ongoing maintenance reflect a commitment to sustainable water resource management practices. With its significant storage capacity, surface area, and regulatory oversight by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Miltona stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and enhancing our aquatic ecosystems in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

23

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

LONG PRAIRIE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

5724

Hydraulic Height

1.8

Drainage Area

70

Nid Storage

280224

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.