Knife Falls South Channel Dam is a concrete gravity dam located on the St.
Wind
Humidity
Louis River in Scanlon, Minnesota. Built in 1922, the dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 1644 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1763 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation, with additional benefits for recreation in the area.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 359 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 45,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its critical importance in managing water resources and energy production in the region. With regular state inspections and enforcement, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
The Knife Falls South Channel Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for both energy production and recreational activities in Carlton County, Minnesota. With a rich history dating back nearly a century, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the region's water resource management. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges, the maintenance and upkeep of this dam are essential for ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for the surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
1644 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
St Louis River |
Surface Area |
235 |
Drainage Area |
3426 |
Nid Storage |
1763 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Tainter (radial) - 17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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 |