Sherman Group Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Sherman Group Tailings, located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1970 for the purpose of tailings storage. With a structural height of 48 feet and a length of 2200 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 720 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 168 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation and inspection, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards.

The tailings dam is situated near Dempsey Creek-OS and falls under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Environmental and Water Resources Division. Although it has not been rated for its condition assessment, the dam has a regular inspection frequency of 8 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2012. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unreported, indicating a potential area for further evaluation and improvement. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Sherman Group Tailings presents an opportunity to delve into the complexities of tailings storage and environmental regulation in Minnesota.

Overall, the Sherman Group Tailings serves as a notable example of a privately owned earth dam in Minnesota, designed for tailings storage with a focus on safety and compliance. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the nuances of this structure, there is a chance to delve deeper into its management practices, emergency preparedness, and potential risk factors. With a low hazard potential and regular state oversight, the Sherman Group Tailings stands as a key component of the region's water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

DEMPSEY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

168

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

720

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

48
       
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.