Wabigone Tailings, located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, is a privately owned Earth-type dam completed in 1941 with a primary purpose of storing tailings. The dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 3,250 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which oversees permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Situated near Dempsey Creek, Wabigone Tailings serves as a critical structure for local residents, providing essential water resource management in the area. With a drainage area of 0.7 square miles and normal storage capacity of 155 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and mitigating potential flooding risks. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted every 8 years to assess its structural integrity and operational effectiveness.

Managed by private owners, Wabigone Tailings remains an integral part of the water resource infrastructure in Minnesota, contributing to the sustainable utilization of natural resources in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the proper management and maintenance of dams like Wabigone are essential for ensuring the resilience of local ecosystems and communities in the face of evolving environmental challenges.