Orwell-Danube West Tailings Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Orwell-Danube West Tailings Basin in Minnesota is a private-owned dam built in 1954 primarily for tailings storage.


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Summary

Located in Itasca County along the Prairie River, this earth dam stands at 40 feet high and spans 5200 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2252 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, it plays a crucial role in managing the mining byproducts in the region.

Regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the Orwell-Danube West Tailings Basin is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate any potential risks. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a maximum discharge of 150 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital water resource management infrastructure in the area.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of structures like the Orwell-Danube West Tailings Basin becomes increasingly vital. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

5200

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

PRAIRIE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

2252

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
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.