Western Hibtac Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Western Hibtac, located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is a privately owned dam on Rock Lake Creek with a primary purpose of holding tailings.


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 100 feet and spans 20,900 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 30,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2,500 acres.

The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment in 2013 rating its condition as satisfactory. With a significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Western Hibtac is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1,000 cubic feet per second. The dam serves as a crucial structure in managing water resources in the area, ensuring the safety and stability of the surrounding environment.

Overall, Western Hibtac plays a vital role in water resource management in St. Louis County, Minnesota, serving as a key component in the local infrastructure. As a privately owned structure, it is subject to state regulations and inspection protocols to maintain its functionality and prevent hazards. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Western Hibtac stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management in safeguarding the region's water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

20900

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

ROCK LAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2500

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

30000

Structural Height

100

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

100
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.