Coon Rapids Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coon Rapids, located in Anoka County, Minnesota, is home to the Coon Rapids Dam, a gravity dam built in 1913 across the Mississippi River.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this dam primarily serves as a recreational area, providing a surface area of 160 acres for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. With a 30-foot height and a length of 2,008 feet, the dam also plays a vital role in flood control, with a drainage area of 19,219 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 130,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, the Coon Rapids Dam is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in 2015, with a significant hazard potential due to its location along the Mississippi River. Regular inspections are conducted every four years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's normal storage capacity is 1,380 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 2,000 acre-feet, providing essential water resource management for the surrounding area. With its picturesque setting and recreational opportunities, Coon Rapids Dam continues to be a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

2008

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

160

Drainage Area

19219

Nid Storage

2000

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.