Pisgah Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pisgah Dam, located in Minnesota along the Ottertail River, is a hydroelectric facility with a primary purpose of generating power.


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Summary

Completed in 1918, the dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam serves multiple purposes beyond power generation, including fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, and water supply. It has a controlled spillway and is equipped with six slide gates for water release. The surrounding area covers 70 acres and the drainage area for the dam is 1355 square miles. Despite its age, Pisgah Dam continues to operate effectively, meeting state permitting and inspection requirements.

With Collin Peterson as the congressional representative overseeing the area, Pisgah Dam stands as a historic landmark that not only provides essential services but also contributes to the local ecosystem. Its role in water resource management and climate resilience makes it an important asset for the community and a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

493

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Ottertail River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

70

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

1355

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 6

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

38
       
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.