Dishpan Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dishpan Wma Impoundment 2 Clover Leaf
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dishpan Lake, located in Dora Lake, Minnesota, is a state-owned earth dam constructed in 1972 with a primary purpose that goes beyond traditional water resource management.
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Summary
This 11-foot high structure serves as a vital component in the Moose River - TR watershed, with a storage capacity of 810 acre-feet and a drainage area of 9.9 square miles. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and not being regulated by the state, Dishpan Lake plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water supply.
The dam, with a length of 219 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, stands as a testament to Minnesota's commitment to sustainable water management practices. With a normal storage capacity of 360 acre-feet, Dishpan Lake provides essential water storage and flood control benefits to the surrounding areas. While its condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated," the dam's low hazard potential and consistent inspection frequency of every 8 years ensure its continued safety and functionality for the foreseeable future.
As the only dam in the area with a core type of buttress and an unlisted/unknown foundation, Dishpan Lake presents a unique engineering challenge. Despite lacking spillway width information and emergency action plan details, the dam's historical significance and ongoing role in water resource management make it a valuable asset for the community. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dishpan Lake offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight in the state of Minnesota.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
219 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
MOOSE RIVER - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
9.9 |
Nid Storage |
810 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Fork River At Big Falls
|
169cfs |
Mississippi River Near Bemidji
|
169cfs |
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
Mississippi River At Grand Rapids
|
633cfs |
Little Fork River At Littlefork
|
160cfs |
Red Lake River Near Red Lake
|
385cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Dishpan Lake
Dora Lake