Mesabi Chief Clarification Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Mesabi Chief Clarification is a private dam located in Itasca, Minnesota, primarily used for tailings purposes.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1960, stands at a height of 24 feet with a length of 2400 feet and a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet. It is regulated and inspected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state regulations and enforcement measures. Situated on Swan River-OS, the dam poses a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.
Owned privately, Mesabi Chief Clarification serves as a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. Its location in S36 T057N R22W, close to LOCAL RESIDENTS, underscores its importance in the local ecosystem. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, the dam's low hazard potential suggests a relatively low risk to surrounding communities. With Pete Stauber (R) as the Congressional representative for the area, there is a level of government oversight and accountability for the dam's operations and maintenance.
Overall, Mesabi Chief Clarification stands as a vital component in the water resource infrastructure of Itasca, Minnesota, providing essential storage capabilities for tailings management. With its regulatory oversight by the MNDNR EWR and low hazard potential, the dam plays a critical role in ensuring water safety and flood control in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and monitoring of structures like Mesabi Chief Clarification will be crucial in adapting to evolving environmental conditions and protecting local communities from potential risks.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
2400 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
SWAN RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
480 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
Mississippi River At Grand Rapids
|
639cfs |
St. Louis River At Scanlon
|
693cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mesabi Chief Clarification
O'Brien Reservoir