Potato Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Potato Lake, located in Hubbard County, Minnesota, is a man-made reservoir with a gravity dam that was completed in 1939.


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Summary

The dam stands at 9 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 3.2 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 90,376 acre-feet. The lake covers an area of 2,100 acres and serves as a vital water resource for the region, with a drainage area of 216.7 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 1,000 cubic feet per second into the Fish Hook River.

Maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Potato Lake is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safe operation. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition was last assessed as satisfactory in 2015, with an inspection frequency of every 8 years. The reservoir's primary purpose is listed as "Other," suggesting that it may serve various functions beyond water storage, making it a unique and versatile asset within the local ecosystem.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the area can appreciate Potato Lake not only for its structural and operational details but also for its ecological significance. As a state-regulated water body in a picturesque setting, Potato Lake offers a valuable case study for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

55

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

FISH HOOK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2100

Hydraulic Height

3.2

Drainage Area

216.7

Nid Storage

90376

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.