Fish Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Canosia Wma Canosia Wma 78
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Cloquet, Minnesota, Fish Lake is a captivating hydroelectric dam that serves as a vital water resource and recreational area.
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Summary
Completed in 1911, this concrete, earth, and gravity dam stands at 25 feet tall and spans 760 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 41,728 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, but it also offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
Fish Lake plays a crucial role in water management, with a normal storage capacity of 39,680 acre-feet and a drainage area of 47 square miles. The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 8 feet, helps regulate water flow and prevent flooding downstream. Despite its high hazard potential, Fish Lake is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of nearby communities.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Fish Lake dam is a key asset in Minnesota's water infrastructure, providing both power generation and recreational benefits to the region. With a risk assessment rating of very high, efforts are continuously made to improve risk management measures and ensure the dam's safety in the face of changing climate conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fish Lake offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and natural resource management.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
760 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Beaver River |
Surface Area |
5120 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
47 |
Nid Storage |
41728 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Louis River At Scanlon
|
517cfs |
Knife River Near Two Harbors
|
9cfs |
Nemadji River Near South Superior
|
93cfs |
Bois Brule River At Brule
|
183cfs |
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
St. Croix River Near Danbury
|
1650cfs |
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.
Fish Lake