Round Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Round Lake in Ramsey, Minnesota is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at 10 feet tall and spans 90 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2,196 acre-feet and a surface area of 110 acres. The dam is located on Rice Creek-TR, within the St. Paul District of Minnesota, where it is regulated and inspected by the MNDNR EWR to ensure its operational and structural integrity.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of July 2010, Round Lake serves as a vital resource for the Arden Hills community. Its normal storage capacity of 1,830 acre-feet supports the surrounding area's water supply needs, while its drainage area of 0.56 square miles plays a crucial role in managing water levels and flow. Despite not having a spillway or outlet gates, the dam's design and construction meet state regulatory standards, ensuring its safety and reliability for years to come.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Round Lake offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental stewardship. As a key component of the local water supply system, this dam serves as a critical asset in sustaining the region's water resources and supporting its ecosystem. With ongoing inspections and maintenance, Round Lake stands as a testament to the importance of proactive dam management in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

RICE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

110

Drainage Area

0.56

Nid Storage

2196

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.