Black Dog Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Dog Lake, located in Burnsville, Minnesota, is a gravity dam constructed in 1953 with a primary purpose of water resource management.


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Summary

Owned by a public utility, this dam on the Minnesota River-Tr River has a height of 20 feet and a length of 120 feet, creating a storage capacity of 3,550 acre-feet and a surface area of 530 acres. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and preventing flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Black Dog Lake is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's structure, with a buttress core type and unlisted/unknown foundation, has a normal storage capacity of 1,618 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 6,250 cubic feet per second. Despite not being rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam's last inspection was conducted in January 2012, with a scheduled frequency of every 8 years, highlighting the commitment to monitoring and maintaining this essential water resource infrastructure.

With Angie Craig as the Congressional representative for the area, Black Dog Lake serves as a vital component of the water management system in Dakota County, Minnesota. As climate change impacts water resources, the proper regulation and maintenance of dams like Black Dog Lake are crucial for ensuring water security and mitigating flood risks in the region. This gravity dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between public utilities, state agencies, and local communities in safeguarding water resources for current and future generations.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MINNESOTA RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

530

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

3550

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.