Swart Watts Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cedar Lake Ney Wetland
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Swart Watts Lake, located in Wright County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated dam constructed in 1941 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
This gravity dam, standing at 8 feet high and 30 feet long, serves as a vital structure on the Clearwater River-TR, providing essential water resource management for the region. With a storage capacity of 1539 acre-feet and a surface area of 171 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Swart Watts Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Division of Ecological and Water Resources. The dam's primary purpose is listed as 'Other', indicating its multi-faceted role in water resource management. With a maximum discharge capacity of 280 cubic feet per second, the dam is designed to handle varying water levels and flow rates effectively. It stands as a testament to the state's commitment to maintaining a robust infrastructure for climate resilience and water resource sustainability in the region.
As a significant landmark in the St. Paul District, Swart Watts Lake Dam represents a historic and functional piece of infrastructure that highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation. With its unique design elements, including a buttress core type and unlisted/unknown foundations, the dam stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering expertise of its WPA designers. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of this structure remains a top priority for the state, as it continues to play a pivotal role in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the area.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
30 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
CLEARWATER RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
171 |
Hydraulic Height |
1.3 |
Drainage Area |
3.4 |
Nid Storage |
1539 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Crow River At Rockford
|
386cfs |
Elk River Near Big Lake
|
274cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
2400cfs |
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Elm Creek Nr Champlin
|
5cfs |
Mississippi River At Anoka
|
3810cfs |
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.
Schroeder County Park Campgrounds
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Stanley Eddy Regional Park Reserve South
Stanley Eddy Memorial Park Reserv (North)
Swart Watts Lake