Little Falls Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Little Falls, located in Morrison County, Minnesota, is a significant hydroelectric dam on the Mississippi River, completed in 1914.


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Summary

With a dam height of 30 feet and a length of 900 feet, it serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 4,780 acre-feet and a drainage area of 11,450 square miles, making it a crucial structure for water resource management in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Little Falls is regulated, inspected, and enforced by various state agencies, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with environmental regulations. The dam has a controlled spillway and multiple outlet gates, including slide and tainter gates, to manage water flow and prevent flooding. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam's risk management measures are continuously evaluated to mitigate potential threats and ensure public safety.

Despite its age, Little Falls continues to play a vital role in providing clean energy and recreational opportunities while also contributing to the overall water resource management in the region. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure for water resources and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Mississippi River

Surface Area

576

Drainage Area

11450

Nid Storage

4780

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 7, Tainter (radial) - 5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.