Scanlon East Channel Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
The Scanlon East Channel Dam in Minnesota, completed in 1922, stands as a striking example of a gravity dam used for hydroelectric purposes on the St.
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Summary
Louis River. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 333 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 876 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 847 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, controlled and 80 feet wide, ensures a maximum discharge rate of 45,000 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial component in managing water resources in the region.
Managed and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Scanlon East Channel Dam is a significant structure with a very high hazard potential. It features eight Tainter radial gates for water release and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The dam's location in Carlton County, Minnesota, near the city of Scanlon, underscores its essential role in maintaining water levels for hydroelectric power generation and other uses. As a key part of the water infrastructure in the area, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Despite its age, the Scanlon East Channel Dam remains a crucial asset for water management and hydroelectric power generation in the region. As a regulated structure with a significant hazard potential, its careful upkeep and monitoring are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations. With its historical significance and ongoing importance for water resource management, the Scanlon East Channel Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation in the face of changing conditions.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
333 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
St Louis River |
Surface Area |
74 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
876 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 8 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Louis River At Scanlon
|
693cfs |
Nemadji River Near South Superior
|
93cfs |
Knife River Near Two Harbors
|
9cfs |
Bois Brule River At Brule
|
183cfs |
St. Croix River Near Danbury
|
1650cfs |
Kettle River Below Sandstone
|
170cfs |
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.
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