Leech Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leech Dam, also known as Leech Lake Reservoir, is a concrete dam located in Federal Dam, Minnesota.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1885, it serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, navigation, water supply, and recreation. The dam stands at 13 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 680,000 acre-feet, with a surface area of 117,500 acres and a drainage area of 1,163 square miles.

Despite being classified as a significant hazard dam, recent risk assessments suggest that Leech Dam is at a lower risk level due to its ability to withstand floods exceeding design standards. The US Army Corps of Engineers, which owns and manages the dam, continuously monitors and maintains its condition to reduce risks to the public. Plans to evaluate fish passage at Leech have been proposed, although such modifications do not directly relate to dam safety concerns. Overall, Leech Dam represents a vital water resource in Minnesota, providing both recreational opportunities and essential flood protection measures.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

3314

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

LEECH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

117500

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1163

Nid Storage

680000

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 21, Slide (sluice gate) - 5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.