Knife Falls South Channel Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Knife Falls North Channel Dam Cloquet
Last Updated: April 1, 2026
Knife Falls South Channel Dam is a concrete gravity dam located on the St.
Summary
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.
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
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 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Louis River At Scanlon
|
2080cfs |
Nemadji River Near South Superior
|
93cfs |
Knife River Near Two Harbors
|
9cfs |
Bois Brule River At Brule
|
210cfs |
St. Croix River Near Danbury
|
1630cfs |
Kettle River Below Sandstone
|
737cfs |
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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