Welch Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eel Lake Fiske Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Welch Lake, located in Itasca, Minnesota, is a Federal-owned fish and wildlife pond with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.
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Summary
The Earth dam, completed in 1973, stands at a height of 9 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 163 acre-feet. With a surface area of 23 acres and a normal storage of 85 acre-feet, Welch Lake serves as a vital resource for the conservation of local flora and fauna.
Managed by the USDA Forest Service, Welch Lake is situated near the TR-Popple River and is part of the St. Paul District. The dam, with a structural height of 14 feet, has an uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 40 cubic feet per second. Despite not being state-regulated, Welch Lake undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2017, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.
Although not rated for condition assessment, Welch Lake continues to play a crucial role in the ecosystem, offering a serene habitat for various wildlife species. With its tranquil surroundings and strategic location, Welch Lake remains a key water resource for both environmental enthusiasts and climate advocates, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices for the preservation of our natural landscapes.
Years Modified |
2011 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
TR-POPPLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
163 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Fork River At Big Falls
|
169cfs |
Mississippi River Near Bemidji
|
169cfs |
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
Mississippi River At Grand Rapids
|
633cfs |
Little Fork River At Littlefork
|
160cfs |
Red Lake River Near Red Lake
|
385cfs |
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.
Welch Lake
Moose Lake