Rice Lake Pool Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rice Lake Pool in Aitkin, Minnesota, is a Federal-owned Fish and Wildlife Pond managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1952, is a gravity type structure standing at a height of 12 feet with a length of 24 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 13,820 acre-feet and a surface area of 3,000 acres, serving as a vital habitat for aquatic wildlife in the region.

Located along the Rice River, Rice Lake Pool plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area by providing a controlled spillway for water management. Despite its low hazard potential, the reservoir is rated with a very high risk due to its importance in the local ecosystem. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspection every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Rice Lake Pool to be a fascinating site for studying the intersection of wildlife preservation and water management. With its rich biodiversity and strategic location within the St. Paul District, this Federal-owned reservoir remains a valuable asset for conservation efforts in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

24

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

RICE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

3000

Drainage Area

143

Nid Storage

13820

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.