Cannon River (Woolen Mills) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Faribault, Minnesota, the Cannon River (Woolen Mills) is a gravity dam completed in 1865, serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching 650 feet in length, has a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet and a drainage area of 332 square miles. With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of 2013, the dam is under state regulation and inspection by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Cannon River (Woolen Mills) dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Its structural design, featuring a buttress core and unlisted/unknown foundations, contributes to its stable condition despite its age. With a spillway width of 0 feet and no associated locks, the dam's operation and safety are closely monitored through regular inspections and a comprehensive emergency action plan.

Owned by the local government, the Cannon River (Woolen Mills) dam stands as an important landmark in the area, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to its serene waters and scenic surroundings. As climate change continues to impact water resources, efforts to maintain and enhance the dam's infrastructure are essential to ensure its long-term sustainability and safety for all those who enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities provided by the Cannon River.

Year Completed

1865

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

CANNON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

54

Drainage Area

332

Nid Storage

1100

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.