Cloquet Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Cloquet, located in Scanlon, Minnesota, is a privately owned dam situated on the St.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Louis River. Built in 1899 for hydroelectric purposes, this concrete gravity dam stands at 47 feet tall and spans 369 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 990 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 28,000 cubic feet per second, Cloquet plays a crucial role in water supply and energy generation in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Cloquet is subject to state regulations and inspections by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as very high, necessitating the implementation of robust risk management measures. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam is equipped with controlled spillways and a combination of slide and tainter gates for water control.

Being part of a larger drainage area of 3,430 square miles, Cloquet's impact extends beyond its immediate surroundings. Its operation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the region. As an integral part of Minnesota's water infrastructure, Cloquet continues to play a vital role in meeting the water and energy needs of the community while balancing environmental and regulatory considerations.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

369

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

St Louis River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

64

Drainage Area

3430

Nid Storage

990

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Tainter (radial) - 7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

47
       
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.