Hunner Tailings Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Minnesota

Nearby: Buckeye Tailings No. 2 Canisteo No. 2 North

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hunner Tailings, located in La Prairie, Minnesota, is a local government-owned dam that was completed in 1956 for the primary purpose of tailings storage.

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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 8,800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 3,750 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2009.

Situated on the Prairie River-OS, Hunner Tailings serves as a critical structure in the local water resource management system, with a drainage area of 1.4 square miles. The dam's primary function is to contain tailings material, highlighting its importance in environmental protection and water quality preservation efforts in the region. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its operational and safety protocols are up to date, with the last inspection conducted in 2014 confirming its satisfactory condition.

With its buttress core design and satisfactory condition, Hunner Tailings stands as a testament to responsible dam management practices in Minnesota. As climate change continues to impact water resources and hydrological systems, the effective regulation and maintenance of dams like Hunner Tailings are essential for mitigating potential risks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supplies in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience can appreciate the role that dams like Hunner Tailings play in safeguarding critical water infrastructure and supporting environmental stewardship efforts.

Year Completed	1956
Dam Length	8800
Dam Height	25
River Or Stream	PRAIRIE RIVER-OS
Primary Dam Type	Earth
Drainage Area	1.4
Nid Storage	3750
Structural Height	25
Hazard Potential	Low
Foundations	Unlisted/Unknown
Nid Height	25

Explore Interactive Map

HUNNER TAILINGS

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 5, 2025

Year_Completed	1956
Dam_Length	8800
Dam_Height	25
River_Or_Stream	PRAIRIE RIVER-OS
Primary_Dam_Type	Earth
Drainage_Area	1.4
Nid_Storage	3750
Structural_Height	25
Hazard_Potential	Low
Foundations	Unlisted/Unknown
Nid_Height	25

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Mississippi River At Grand Rapids 633.0cfs	633cfs
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.