Lake Lizzie Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Lizzie, also known as Hosterman, is a gravity dam located in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.


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Summary

Completed in 1938, this dam serves various purposes, including flood control and water storage, with a normal storage capacity of 11,457 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 23,160 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a structural height of 8 feet, with a hydraulic height of 2.8 feet.

Situated on the Pelican River, Lake Lizzie covers an area of 2,000 acres and has a drainage area of 331.1 square miles. Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is considered low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2016. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) and is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Lizzie offers a fascinating example of early 20th-century dam engineering and management practices. Its historical significance, combined with its continued utility in modern water management, makes it a noteworthy site for those interested in understanding the intersection of infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

PELICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2000

Hydraulic Height

2.8

Drainage Area

331.1

Nid Storage

23160

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.