Hamden Gun Club Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Branch Wild Rice Lower Kath 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Hamden Gun Club in Hawley, Minnesota, is a privately owned facility located along the Buffalo River-TR.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1956, stands at 10 feet in height and spans 640 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 660 acre-feet and a surface area of 45 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Hamden Gun Club dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's satisfactory condition assessment in 2016 signifies its reliability in mitigating flood risks and supporting water supply needs in Becker County.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship, the Hamden Gun Club dam serves as a notable example of a privately owned structure contributing to water management efforts in Minnesota. Its strategic location along the Buffalo River-TR, coupled with its satisfactory condition and regulatory oversight, highlights the importance of such facilities in maintaining water quality, mitigating flood risks, and supporting ecosystem health in the region.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
45 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
660 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hamden Gun Club