Stanchfield Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Stanchfield Lake, located in Morrison County, Minnesota, is a gravity dam constructed in 1956 primarily for flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 48 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 1450 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1785 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 38 acres and is situated along the Crow Wing River, providing essential water resource management in the region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), Stanchfield Lake is under state jurisdiction with regulatory agencies overseeing permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. The dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of August 2017. While the dam does not have associated locks or spillways, it serves as a vital component in the overall flood risk reduction strategy for the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 140 cubic feet per second.

Despite its modest size and low hazard potential, Stanchfield Lake plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from flooding events. With its strategic location along the Crow Wing River and efficient water management practices, the lake serves as a testament to sustainable resource utilization and climate resilience in Morrison County. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Stanchfield Lake to be a fascinating example of innovative infrastructure designed to mitigate flooding risks and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

48

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CROW WING RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

38

Drainage Area

0.81

Nid Storage

1785

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.