Tamarac Lake Outlet Reservoir Report
Nearby: Maple Lake Hill River Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tamarac Lake Outlet is a gravity dam located in Polk, Minnesota, designed by the county and completed in 1930.
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Summary
The dam stands at 10 feet high, with a structural height of 7 feet and a length of 20 feet. It serves as a crucial structure for regulating water flow from Badger Creek, with a drainage area of 14.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second.
The dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in May 2009. It has a normal storage capacity of 2314 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 3026 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 356 acres. The outlet is state-regulated and subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with regulations.
Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Tamarac Lake Outlet plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. With its controlled spillway and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam provides essential flood control and water storage capabilities. Its location in Erskine, Minnesota, underlines its importance in maintaining the ecological balance of the area and highlights the collaborative efforts between local government and state agencies in ensuring the sustainability of water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
20 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
BADGER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
356 |
Drainage Area |
14.3 |
Nid Storage |
3026 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Tamarac Lake Outlet