Beaver Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: St. Olaf Lake Geneva Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Beaver Lake, located in Steele County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated dam with a primary purpose categorized as "Other." The dam, completed in 1939, is a gravity-type structure with a height of 11 feet and a normal storage capacity of 1,395 acre-feet.
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Summary
With a drainage area of 0.47 square miles, Beaver Lake has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
The dam, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), is situated on the Straight River-TR and falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency. Although it does not have a spillway or associated locks, Beaver Lake serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, offering a surface area of 91 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 69 cubic feet per second. Despite not having an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, the dam undergoes regular inspections every eight years to ensure its structural integrity and safety for nearby residents and stakeholders.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Beaver Lake presents an intriguing case study in dam management and regulation. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, this dam highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable usage. With its historical significance and ongoing operational considerations, Beaver Lake serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of water management, environmental protection, and community resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
STRAIGHT RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
91 |
Hydraulic Height |
1.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.47 |
Nid Storage |
21410 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cedar River Near Austin
|
110cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
Le Sueur River Near Rapidan
|
179cfs |
Minnesota River At Mankato
|
3240cfs |
Blue Earth River Near Rapidan
|
328cfs |
Watonwan River Near Garden City
|
82cfs |
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.
Beaver Lake