Brainerd Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gull Dam Nokay Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brainerd, located in Minnesota along the Mississippi River, is a private hydroelectric facility with a gravity dam completed in 1950.
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Summary
This dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. With a structural height of 20.8 feet and a storage capacity of 13,000 acre-feet, Brainerd plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
The dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Brainerd is currently unavailable, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures. The facility has a controlled spillway and a drainage area of 7,320 square miles, making it a key infrastructure for flood control and water management in the area.
With its significant storage capacity and critical role in water resource management, Brainerd is an essential structure for climate enthusiasts and water resource experts to monitor and evaluate. As a part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's oversight, the dam's operations and safety measures are closely monitored to ensure its continued effectiveness in serving the needs of the surrounding community. The facility's location in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, underscores its importance in the region's water infrastructure and underscores the need for ongoing risk assessment and management to protect against potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Mississippi River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
2500 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
7320 |
Nid Storage |
13000 |
Structural Height |
20.8 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule - 2, Slide (sluice gate) - 5, Tainter (radial) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Brainerd
|
972cfs |
Crow Wing River Near Pillager
|
742cfs |
Mississippi River At Aitkin
|
1010cfs |
Crow Wing River At Nimrod
|
279cfs |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
2110cfs |
Long Prairie River At Long Prairie
|
122cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lum Park Campground
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Lum City Park
|
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Gulf Lake- Cor of Engineers Campground
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Crow Wing State Park Campground
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Crow Wing State Park
|
Brainerd
Brainerd
The 25-Acre Island Just South Of Brainerd
To Roscoe Island