Trout Lake Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Trout Lake Tailings, located in Itasca County, Minnesota, is a private earth dam completed in 1954 for the primary purpose of storing tailings.


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Summary

With a height of 35 feet and a length of 2500 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 1079 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1890 acres. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Trout Lake Tailings is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate any potential risks. The dam has a drainage area of 0.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second. With its location near Trout Creek-OS, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region and reducing the impacts of climate change on the surrounding environment.

Trout Lake Tailings serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Minnesota, reflecting the state's commitment to regulating and overseeing dam safety. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Trout Lake Tailings is essential in safeguarding our ecosystems and communities from potential hazards and ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

TROUT CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1890

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

1079

Structural Height

35

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.