Pigeon Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pigeon Lake, located in Itasca County, Minnesota, is a serene body of water created by the Pigeon Flowage.


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Summary

This man-made lake was formed in 1937 with the construction of a gravity dam that stands at a height of 9 feet and spans 27 feet in length. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and has a low hazard potential, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2009.

Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pigeon Lake offers a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area fed by the Pigeon Flowage, this lake provides a vital habitat for local wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Despite not being state-regulated or permitted, the dam at Pigeon Lake continues to operate efficiently with no major concerns reported during inspections.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Minnesota, Pigeon Lake stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and engineering ingenuity. As a federally-owned and maintained site, the lake remains a picturesque destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while appreciating the careful balance of human intervention and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

27

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

PIGEON FLOWAGE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.