Green Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Green Lake, located in Kandiyohi, Minnesota, is a gravity dam constructed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 6.5 feet and has a structural height of 9 feet, with a length of 62 feet. It serves as a water resource regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with a storage capacity of 11,700 acre-feet and a surface area of 5,560 acres. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other", and it is responsible for managing the water flow of the Crow River Middle Fork.

Despite its low hazard potential, Green Lake has not been rated for its condition assessment as of the last inspection in June 2016. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the MNDNR EWR. With a drainage area of 149 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1,115 cubic feet per second, Green Lake plays a crucial role in water management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Green Lake an interesting and important structure to study and monitor for its impact on the local ecosystem and surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

62

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

CROW RIVER MIDDLE FORK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

5560

Drainage Area

149

Nid Storage

11700

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.