Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam, also known as the North Dam, is a crucial water resource infrastructure located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota. This earth dam, primarily designed for water supply purposes, stands at 31 feet high with a structural height of 36 feet and a length of 2160 feet. Completed in 1954, this dam has a storage capacity of 26,873 acre-feet, serving as a key component in managing the water supply in the area.

Managed by a public utility, Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is situated on the St. Louis River, contributing to its drainage area of 112 square miles. With a significant hazard potential and a condition assessment yet to be rated, regular inspections are conducted to monitor its safety and integrity.

Despite the lack of detailed data on spillway type and discharge capacity, Whitewater Reservoir Saddle Dam remains a critical infrastructure for water supply in the region. With its strategic location and storage capacity, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and ensuring a reliable supply for the surrounding communities, highlighting the importance of proper regulation and maintenance for sustainable water management in the area.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

2160

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

ST. LOUIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1233

Drainage Area

112

Nid Storage

26873

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

36
       
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.