Chippewa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chippewa, also known as Tamarack Lakes, is a Federal-owned dam located in Becker, Minnesota, along the Otter Tail River.


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Summary

Built in 1930 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, this Earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 85 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 7,650 acre-feet, it serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water supply for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Chippewa has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam has not undergone any recent modifications and does not fall under state regulation or inspection. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, it is still considered to meet safety guidelines. Chippewa plays a crucial role in managing water resources and protecting the local community from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure for the long-term sustainability of our water systems.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

85

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

OTTER TAIL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

142

Nid Storage

7650

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.