Boulder Lake dam
Boulder Lake
Boulder Lake, located in Cloquet, Minnesota, is a picturesque reservoir with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1919. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this hydroelectric dam serves multiple purposes, including providing recreational opportunities for visitors. The dam, consisting of concrete, earth, and multi-arch structures, stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 1470 feet in length.
With a storage capacity of 30,300 acre-feet and a normal storage of 29,440 acre-feet, Boulder Lake covers a surface area of 4100 acres and has a drainage area of 63 square miles. The controlled spillway, with a width of 8 feet, ensures the safe management of water levels, while the low hazard potential and regular inspections contribute to its overall safety. Despite facing a very high risk assessment, the dam's emergency action plan is up to date, reflecting its commitment to preparedness and risk management.
Boulder Lake's association with Otter Creek adds to its charm, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the surrounding St. Louis County area. With its blend of historical significance, recreational offerings, and environmental stewardship, Boulder Lake stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between nature and infrastructure in the heart of Minnesota.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Boulder Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Knife River Near Two Harbors | 121 cfs | → |
| St. Louis River At Scanlon | 2,770 cfs | → |
| Nemadji River Near South Superior | 508 cfs | → |
| Bois Brule River At Brule | 167 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Boulder Lake .
Boat launches
- Boulder Dam Road Saint Louis County
- Rice Lake Public Boat Access
- Midway Road Saint Louis County
- Congdon Boulevard Lakewood
- Rices Point Landing
- Stewart Lk Road Lake County
Campgrounds
- White Pines Camp Stie
- Lone Tree
- Bald Eagle Camp Site
- Heron Pond
- Sucker River Campsite
- Fox Farm Beaver Pound Campsite
Fishing spots
Track Boulder Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Boulder Lake
Where does the data for Boulder Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Boulder Lake .