Erie Basin 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Erie Basin 1, also known as Cell 1e, is a privately owned tailings dam located in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1978, stands at a height of 200 feet and has a length of 13,600 feet. With a storage capacity of 35,560 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.4 square miles, Erie Basin 1 plays a crucial role in managing the Embarrass River watershed.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Erie Basin 1 is currently in fair condition according to a 2009 assessment. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets necessary safety standards. The last inspection took place in October 2018, and the dam has an inspection frequency of 4 years.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the condition of Erie Basin 1, it remains a key structure in the St. Louis County landscape. With its vital role in tailings management and water storage, the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management system.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

13600

Dam Height

200

River Or Stream

EMBARRASS RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

35560

Structural Height

200

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

200
       
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.