Albert Lea Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Albert Lea Lake, also known as Jugland, is a man-made reservoir located in Freeborn County, Minnesota, near the city of Glenville.


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Summary

This gravity dam, completed in 1923, serves multiple purposes, including flood control and recreational activities. With a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 15,945 acre-feet, the dam helps regulate the flow of the Shell Rock River and provides a surface area of 2,698 acres for water-based activities.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Albert Lea Lake has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2015. The dam's primary purpose is to act as a barrier for water management, with a normal storage capacity of 8,586 acre-feet. The reservoir's location, surrounded by scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats, makes it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

With its historical significance and impact on the local ecosystem, Albert Lea Lake stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices in Minnesota. The dam's design and construction by BARR have contributed to the overall well-being of the Shell Rock River watershed, showcasing the importance of maintaining and preserving vital water resources for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

SHELL ROCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2698

Hydraulic Height

5.5

Drainage Area

147

Nid Storage

15945

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.