Eveleth Taconite Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Eveleth Taconite Tailings, located in Forbes, Minnesota, is a significant earth dam completed in 1978 with a height of 50 feet and a length of 21,000 feet.


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Summary

Owned privately, this tailings structure is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state inspections and enforcement. The dam serves the primary purpose of tailings storage, with a storage capacity of 2,419 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.9 square miles.

The Eveleth Taconite Tailings dam, situated along the St. Louis River, falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District. It has a noteworthy hazard potential and is classified as significant, although its condition assessment in 2013 deemed it satisfactory. With a designated inspection frequency of 4 years, the dam's last inspection was conducted in August 2017. While the structure meets guidelines for emergency action plans, specific details on risk assessment, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not readily available.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Eveleth Taconite Tailings represents an essential infrastructure in managing tailings materials in the mining process. Its design by D'APPOLONIA and location in St. Louis County, Minnesota, play a crucial role in environmental conservation and water resource management. With a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, this dam exemplifies the intricate balance between industrial operations and environmental stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

21000

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

ST. LOUIS RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

2419

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.