Mississippi River Lock And Dam 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2, also known as Pool 2, is a federal structure located in Hastings, Minnesota.


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Summary

Completed in 1931, this concrete dam serves primarily for navigation purposes on the Mississippi River. With a height of 23 feet and a length of 4250 feet, the dam has a significant storage capacity of 787,000 acre-feet and can discharge up to 171,000 cubic feet per second through its controlled spillway.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 poses a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. However, the Corps actively mitigates these risks by continuously monitoring the dam's condition, engaging with emergency managers, and updating its emergency action plan. The dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks, but severe weather events can still pose challenges, requiring careful management and coordination to ensure the dam's structural integrity and downstream safety.

Overall, Mississippi River Lock and Dam 2 stands as a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region, balancing the needs of navigation, flood control, and water management. The ongoing efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers ensure that the dam remains a reliable and safe structure, ready to respond to any potential emergencies that may arise.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

4250

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

11810

Length Of Locks

600

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

36990

Nid Storage

787000

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.