South Stanchfield Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
South Stanchfield Lake in Isanti, Minnesota, is a gravity dam built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) with a height of 6.5 feet and a structural height of 8 feet.
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Summary
This dam on Stanchfield Creek serves multiple purposes and has a storage capacity of 4378 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 3582 acre-feet. The dam's surface area covers 363 acres and it has a drainage area of 10 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and being in satisfactory condition, South Stanchfield Lake's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and has not been modified in recent years. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) oversees the regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this dam, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards. This picturesque lake, located in the city of CARMODY, provides a vital water resource for the surrounding area while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
30 |
Dam Height |
6.5 |
River Or Stream |
STANCHFIELD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
363 |
Hydraulic Height |
2.8 |
Drainage Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
4378 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rum River Near St. Francis
|
209cfs |
Elk River Near Big Lake
|
274cfs |
Snake River Near Pine City
|
118cfs |
Mississippi River At Anoka
|
3240cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Champlin
|
5cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
2230cfs |
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.
South Stanchfield Lake