Pierz Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rice-Skunk Lakes Little Falls
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Pierz Lake, located in Morrison County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated body of water managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
This gravity dam was completed in 1955 and serves a primary purpose of "Other," with a storage capacity of 3,900 acre-feet. The lake covers 189 acres and has a drainage area of 4.4 square miles, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2015.
Situated near Royalton, Pierz Lake's dam stands at a height of 6 feet, with a structural height of 8 feet and a hydraulic height of 4 feet. The dam stretches 118 feet in length and holds a normal storage capacity of 3,200 acre-feet. The surrounding Platte River-TR provides a picturesque backdrop to the lake, which serves as a vital resource for both water management and recreational purposes in the region. With state oversight in place for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Pierz Lake remains a well-maintained and crucial component of the local ecosystem.
As a significant water resource in the St. Paul District, Pierz Lake offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and climate advocates alike. Its buttress core type and unlisted/unknown foundation contribute to its structural integrity, ensuring the safety of nearby residents and the surrounding environment. With a history dating back to the mid-20th century, Pierz Lake continues to play a vital role in water conservation efforts and serves as a testament to sustainable water management practices in Minnesota.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
118 |
Dam Height |
6 |
River Or Stream |
PLATTE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
189 |
Hydraulic Height |
4 |
Drainage Area |
4.4 |
Nid Storage |
3900 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
5320cfs |
Crow Wing River Near Pillager
|
643cfs |
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
2400cfs |
Mississippi River At Brainerd
|
972cfs |
Long Prairie River At Long Prairie
|
122cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Genola Park and Campground
Pierz City Park Campground
Pierz Park
Charles Lindbergh State Park
Charles A Lindbergh State Park
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Group Site
Pierz Lake
Little Falls
Blanchard Dam
To Ends One Mile Downstream From The Southern Village Boundary Of Rice