Douglas Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Douglas Tailings, located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota, is a significant Earth dam that was completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of storing tailings. The dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans a length of 5600 feet, with a storage capacity of 3920 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and structural integrity.

The dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its size and location near the Dempsey Creek-TR river/stream. However, its condition assessment as of July 2008 was deemed satisfactory, indicating that the structure is currently in good shape. Despite its age, Douglas Tailings has been well maintained and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam is owned by the local government and is crucial for managing tailings and water resources in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Douglas Tailings an intriguing site for its role in storing tailings and regulating water flow in the region. Its proximity to a river/stream and its significant storage capacity make it a vital infrastructure for managing water resources in St. Louis County, Minnesota. With its satisfactory condition assessment and regular inspections, the dam serves as a model for responsible water resource management in the state.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

5600

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

DEMPSEY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.75

Nid Storage

3920

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.