Kaposia Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kaposia Park, also known as Simons Ravine, is a charming local government-owned park located in South St.


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Summary

Paul, Minnesota. Situated along the Mississippi River, this park serves as a vital resource for water and climate enthusiasts in the Dakota County area. The park features an Earth dam with a height of 79 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 180 acre-feet for the surrounding 1.5 square mile drainage area.

Constructed in 1932, Kaposia Park's dam is primarily used for purposes other than flood control or water supply, making it a unique and valuable asset in the region. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in November 2017. With its uncontrolled spillway and buttress core design, the park offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities while also serving an essential role in water resource management.

As a regulated structure under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Kaposia Park undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the park's management takes proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of nearby residents and visitors. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kaposia Park stands as a testament to the intersection of environmental stewardship and recreational enjoyment in the heart of Minnesota.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Height

79

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

79

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

79
       
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.