Wabigone Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wabigone Tailings, located in St.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

3250

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

DEMPSEY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

310

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.