Prairie Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prairie Lake in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, is a state-regulated reservoir with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment.


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Summary

Built in 1936 by WPA-C, this gravity dam stands at 12 feet tall and spans 49 feet in length, serving as a vital structure on the Pelican River. With a storage capacity of 16,400 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 10,250 acre-feet, Prairie Lake covers a surface area of 1,025 acres and drains a 340-acre watershed.

The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," with a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,840 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area, located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, is home to diverse wildlife and offers recreational opportunities for water enthusiasts. Despite its age, Prairie Lake Dam continues to be inspected and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and functionality for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Maintaining a moderate risk assessment level, Prairie Lake Dam remains a crucial component of the local water resource management system. With a dedicated ownership by the state and consistent inspection and enforcement protocols in place, this historic structure plays a key role in flood control, water storage, and habitat preservation along the Pelican River. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Prairie Lake is a fascinating example of sustainable infrastructure within the dynamic natural landscape of Minnesota.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

49

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

PELICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1025

Hydraulic Height

2.8

Drainage Area

340

Nid Storage

16400

Structural Height

12

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.