Ramsey Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cedar River Dobbins Creek
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ramsey is a privately owned dam located in Mapleview, Minnesota, along the Cedar River.
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Summary
Built in 1872, this gravity dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 138 feet, providing a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, with a low hazard potential and poor condition assessment.
Despite being regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ramsey has not undergone recent inspections, with the last assessment conducted in 2018. The dam poses a low risk, but its poor condition raises concerns for potential hazards. With a drainage area of 182.5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the region, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure its safety and functionality for recreational activities and environmental conservation efforts.
Year Completed |
1872 |
Dam Length |
138 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
53 |
Drainage Area |
182.5 |
Nid Storage |
340 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cedar River Near Austin
|
110cfs |
South Fork Zumbro River At Rochester
|
85cfs |
Winnebago River At Mason City
|
166cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
Root River Near Pilot Mound
|
303cfs |
Cedar River At Charles City
|
450cfs |
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.
Ramsey