Straight Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Straight Lake, located in Minnesota, is a state-regulated dam on the Straight River with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1942, this gravity dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a hydraulic height of 3.2 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 2890 acre-feet and a drainage area of 36 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Straight Lake poses a high risk due to its location and the volume of water it can store. The dam has no spillway and is associated with the WPA-DI-SL designer. Straight Lake's inspection frequency is every 8 years, with the last inspection conducted in August 2016. As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of well-maintained dams like Straight Lake in mitigating flood risks cannot be overstated.

In the event of an emergency, Straight Lake has plans in place to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, though details on emergency preparedness, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not provided in the data. With Collin Peterson (D) as the representative for the area and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as the state regulatory agency, Straight Lake serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in Becker County, Minnesota.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

STRAIGHT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

450

Hydraulic Height

3.2

Drainage Area

36

Nid Storage

2890

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.