Sartell Reservoir Report
Nearby: St. Cloud Mayhew Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Benton County, Minnesota, Sartell is home to a significant hydroelectric dam on the Mississippi River.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this gravity dam stands at 46 feet tall with a structural height of 46 feet and a length of 622 feet. With a storage capacity of 15,500 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 48,000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and renewable energy production in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Sartell dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safe and efficient operation. With a spillway width of 388 feet and controlled spillway type, the dam has a high hazard potential but is equipped with emergency action plans and contact protocols to mitigate risks. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 2,400 acres and a drainage area of 12,265 acres, highlighting the dam's impact on local water resources and ecosystems.
Serving as a key player in Minnesota's hydroelectric infrastructure, the Sartell dam stands as a testament to sustainable energy practices and water resource management. With its multi-arch core design and soil foundations, the dam exemplifies engineering excellence while addressing the region's power needs. As climate change continues to threaten water resources, the careful regulation and maintenance of dams like Sartell are essential in securing a resilient and sustainable future for the community.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
622 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
Mississippi River |
Surface Area |
2400 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.5 |
Drainage Area |
12265 |
Nid Storage |
15500 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule - 2, Tainter (radial) - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
2400cfs |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
5320cfs |
Elk River Near Big Lake
|
274cfs |
Long Prairie River At Long Prairie
|
122cfs |
Crow River At Rockford
|
386cfs |
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.
Sartell
Northeast River Road Watab
The Beaver Islands At St. Cloud
To The Confluence Of The Clearwater River