West Stephens Settling Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Stephens Settling, located in St.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Louis County, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1964 for the primary purpose of tailings storage. This dam, standing at a height of 10 feet and stretching for 3000 feet, has a maximum storage capacity of 344 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. It is situated on Second Creek and is maintained by local residents.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and being in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2009, West Stephens Settling has not been inspected since 2014. The dam does not fall under state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, or enforcement, with no federal agency involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, or operation. With a spillway width of 0 feet, this dam lacks certain safety features that are important for mitigating risks associated with potential flooding events.

While West Stephens Settling may not be currently considered a high-risk structure, the lack of recent inspections and the absence of certain safety measures raise concerns about its ability to withstand extreme weather events or other challenges in the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should monitor the status of this dam and advocate for proper maintenance and oversight to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the water storage facilities.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

3000

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SECOND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Nid Storage

344

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.