Bald Eagle Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bald Eagle Lake, located in Hugo, Minnesota, is a man-made reservoir on the Clearwater River with a dam built in 1889 for purposes other than flood control or water supply.


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Summary

The dam, built with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 1000 feet, creating a surface area of 1046 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 11,500 acre-feet. The lake is under state jurisdiction and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections ensuring its structural integrity and safe operation.

With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Bald Eagle Lake serves as a recreational spot and wildlife habitat while providing additional benefits to the surrounding community. The lake's normal storage capacity of 8,400 acre-feet supports various aquatic activities and contributes to the overall ecological balance of the region. Its location within Washington County, Minnesota, makes it a valuable resource for water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating environmental risks and promoting resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1889

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

CLEARWATER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

1046

Hydraulic Height

5

Drainage Area

31

Nid Storage

11500

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.