Birch Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Birch Lake, located in Minnesota, is a picturesque reservoir formed by a rockfill dam completed in 1922 on the Kawishiwi River.


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Summary

With a surface area of 7,624 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 39,680 acre-feet, this dam primarily serves recreational purposes for water and climate enthusiasts. The controlled spillway with a width of 162 feet ensures efficient water management and flood risk reduction in the area.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Birch Lake has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. Despite not having a detailed condition assessment available, the dam undergoes regular inspections every three years. Its emergency action plan was last revised in December 2019, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of this vital water resource. For those interested in fish and wildlife preservation, flood risk management, and recreational activities, Birch Lake offers a serene and well-maintained environment to explore and enjoy.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

227

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

Kawishiwi River

Surface Area

7624

Drainage Area

1100

Nid Storage

39680

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 5, Tainter (radial) - 4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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.