Cold Spring Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mill Creek St. Johns University
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Cold Spring is a state-regulated dam located in Stearns County, Minnesota, along the Sauk River.
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Summary
Built in 1980 by BARR ENG, this concrete gravity dam stands at 14 feet tall and spans 140 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, Cold Spring offers a storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 940 acres. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a low hazard potential, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2013.
Situated in the St. Paul District, Cold Spring provides vital recreational opportunities while also serving as an essential resource for water management in the region. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), the dam undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, Cold Spring remains a valuable asset for both residents and visitors alike, offering a serene setting for outdoor activities and water-based recreation.
With its strategic location and controlled water flow, Cold Spring plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Sauk River and surrounding areas. As a well-maintained structure with a history of satisfactory performance, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in Minnesota. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cold Spring serves as a beacon of sustainable infrastructure that harmonizes human recreational needs with environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
140 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
SAUK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
940 |
Drainage Area |
500 |
Nid Storage |
10000 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sauk River Near St. Cloud
|
225cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Cloud
|
2400cfs |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
3080cfs |
Elk River Near Big Lake
|
274cfs |
Long Prairie River At Long Prairie
|
122cfs |
Crow River At Rockford
|
386cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cold Spring
3rd Street South Cold Spring