Buckeye Tailings No. 2 Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Minnesota

Nearby: Canisteo Pit Hunner Tailings

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckeye Tailings No.

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Summary

2, located in Itasca, Minnesota, holds a significant historical and environmental importance as a private earth dam constructed in 1950 for tailings storage purposes. This dam stands at a height of 50 feet and spans a length of 5200 feet, with a capacity to store 1500 acre-feet of water. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam's proximity to the Prairie River-TR and its location in a local residential area highlight the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and adherence to safety standards. With a drainage area of 0.35 square miles and a surface area of 80 acres, the Buckeye Tailings No. 2 dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's last inspection in August 2017 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition, indicating a commitment to ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique features and regulatory oversight of Buckeye Tailings No. 2 present an intriguing case study for understanding the intersection of historical infrastructure, environmental protection, and community safety. With its earth dam construction, buttress core type, and low hazard potential, this dam serves as a valuable asset in water management while also highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship and regulatory compliance in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.

Year Completed	1950
Dam Length	5200
Dam Height	50
River Or Stream	PRAIRIE RIVER-TR
Primary Dam Type	Earth
Surface Area	80
Drainage Area	0.35
Nid Storage	1500
Structural Height	50
Hazard Potential	Low
Foundations	Unlisted/Unknown
Nid Height	50

Explore Interactive Map

BUCKEYE TAILINGS NO. 2

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 5, 2025

Year_Completed	1950
Dam_Length	5200
Dam_Height	50
River_Or_Stream	PRAIRIE RIVER-TR
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Surface_Area	80
Drainage_Area	0.35
Nid_Storage	1500
Structural_Height	50
Hazard_Potential	Low
Foundations	Unlisted/Unknown
Nid_Height	50

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Mississippi River At Grand Rapids 639.0cfs	639cfs
Prairie River Near Taconite 62.7cfs	63cfs
Mississippi River At Aitkin 1010.0cfs	1010cfs
Mississippi River Near Bemidji 169.0cfs	169cfs

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.