Bednar Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Bednar is a state-owned earth dam located in Warroad, Minnesota, specifically in the Roseau County.


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Summary

Built in 1982, the dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of providing habitat for aquatic life. It has a height of 7 feet, a length of 200 feet, and a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, making it an important water resource for the region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bednar is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its location and potential impact in case of a breach. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support the maintenance of Bednar to protect the surrounding environment and communities.

With its controlled spillway and historical significance as a wildlife habitat, Bednar offers a unique opportunity for conservation efforts and sustainable water management practices. Collaborative measures between state agencies, local stakeholders, and environmental organizations can help preserve the ecological balance of the WARROAD RIVER WEST BRANCH and ensure the long-term viability of this important water resource in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

WARROAD RIVER WEST BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.