Blanchard Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Blanchard, a hydroelectric dam located in Sartell, Minnesota, on the Mississippi River, has been a key player in water resource management since its completion in 1925.


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Summary

This concrete, earth, and gravity dam stands at a height of 46 feet and has a length of 4451 feet, providing a storage capacity of 16,358 acre-feet and serving multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. With a controlled spillway and Tainter radial gates, Blanchard has a maximum discharge capacity of 72,000 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial asset for flood control in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Blanchard is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and the surrounding environmental conditions. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision in December 2019, to address any potential risks or incidents efficiently. With its historical significance, operational efficiency, and strategic location on the Mississippi River, Blanchard stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

4451

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

Mississippi River

Surface Area

1152

Drainage Area

11600

Nid Storage

16358

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

46
       
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.