Mcdonald Lakes dam
Mcdonald Lakes
McDonald Lakes, also known as Brown Lake or Little McDonald, is a state-owned water resource located in Otter Tail, Minnesota. This picturesque area is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is used for seasonal dwellings. The dam at McDonald Lakes was completed in 1937 and stands at a height of 6 feet, with a structural height of 7 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 28,287 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 561 acres.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, McDonald Lakes provides a tranquil environment for water and climate enthusiasts to explore. The reservoir is situated along the Dead River and has a drainage area of 6.99 square miles, making it an important water source for the region. Despite its small size, McDonald Lakes plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and offers opportunities for recreation and wildlife observation.
Overall, McDonald Lakes is a well-maintained and regulated water resource in Minnesota. Its serene surroundings and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its historical significance and functional design, this dam and reservoir serve as a valuable asset for both the community and the environment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mcdonald Lakes -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 338 cfs | → |
| Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls | 529 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Near Hawley | 45 cfs | → |
| Straight River Near Park Rapids | 46 cfs | → |
| South Branch Buffalo River At Sabin | 69 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River At Nimrod | 333 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mcdonald Lakes.
Boat launches
- State Highway 108 33866, Dent
- Mac Circle 33036, Otter Tail County
- Seclusion Point Road 41451, Otter Tail County
- Blue Bell Road 43243, Otter Tail County
- Otter Tail County
- Marion Lake Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Maplewood State Park
- Maplewood State Park Campground
- Sherin Memorial City Campground
- Sherin Memorial Park/Campground
- American Legion Park - Detroit Lakes
- Glendalough State Park Cart-In Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Mcdonald Lakes in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mcdonald Lakes
Where does the data for Mcdonald Lakes come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mcdonald Lakes.