Keller Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Keller Lake, located in St.


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Summary

Paul, Minnesota, is a picturesque body of water fed by Keller Creek. Built in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA-C-PB), this gravity dam stands at 12 feet high and spans 50 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, the lake covers a surface area of 72 acres and serves as a vital resource for the local community.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Keller Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every eight years to uphold its reliability. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1350 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the region.

Water and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Keller Lake not only for its historical significance but also for its essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area. As a key structure in the watershed, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

KELLER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

72

Hydraulic Height

3

Drainage Area

52

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

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.