Whitney Clearwater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whitney Clearwater, also known as the Pierce-Whitney Clearwater Basin, is a private dam located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota. Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 600 feet, providing storage of 514 acre-feet of water primarily for tailings purposes. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

Situated in a closed system near the local residents, Whitney Clearwater serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, the dam is an essential part of the region's water management infrastructure. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in storing water and mitigating potential risks related to flooding and water supply.

As a significant structure in the St. Louis County landscape, Whitney Clearwater underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location and key role in serving the community, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in safeguarding water resources and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

CLOSED SYSTEM - OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Nid Storage

514

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.