Rice Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rice Lake, located in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is a Rockfill dam built in 1967 for purposes beyond just water resource management.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 2490 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 28.8 square miles. With a surface area of 314 acres, it plays a vital role in managing water levels and flow in the Elm Creek watershed.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Rice Lake undergoes regular inspections every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 900 cubic feet per second, protecting downstream areas from potential flooding events. Managed by the local government, this dam serves as a crucial water management infrastructure in Maple Grove, Minnesota, providing multiple benefits to the community and surrounding ecosystem. With its important role in water resource management, Rice Lake stands as a testament to the careful planning and regulatory oversight that goes into safeguarding our water resources in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

314

Drainage Area

28.8

Nid Storage

2490

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.