Rush Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rush Lake, located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated reservoir along the Otter Tail River.


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Summary

This picturesque lake boasts a gravity dam with a height of 6 feet and a structural height of 8 feet, completed in 1937. With a normal storage capacity of 52,330 acre-feet and a surface area of 5,233 acres, Rush Lake serves various purposes, including flood control and wildlife habitat preservation.

The dam at Rush Lake has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, as per the last inspection in August 2017. The reservoir offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing for visitors to enjoy. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Rush Lake plays a vital role in water resource management and conservation efforts in the region.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate Rush Lake for its historical significance, engineering design, and environmental impact. With its regulated state jurisdiction, the dam at Rush Lake ensures not only water supply and flood protection but also serves as a haven for local wildlife and a recreational hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of Minnesota's scenic landscape.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

105

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

OTTER TAIL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

5233

Hydraulic Height

4.7

Drainage Area

669.6

Nid Storage

78345

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.