Boreen Lower Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sunny Hill-Upper Sunny Hill-Lower
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Norman County, Minnesota, Boreen Lower, also known as Skull Lake, is a privately owned recreational dam designed by the USDA NRCS.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1971, stands at 7 feet tall and spans 525 feet across the Wild Rice River-Tr. With a storage capacity of 113 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Boreen Lower is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and outlet gates for water release. In case of emergencies, the dam lacks a formal Emergency Action Plan (EAP) but has moderate risk management measures in place to address potential risks and hazards associated with the structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering behind Boreen Lower and its role in providing recreational opportunities while managing water flow along the Wild Rice River. The dam's historical and environmental significance in the Twin Valley area, along with its modest impact on the local drainage area and max discharge capacity, make it a noteworthy site for those interested in sustainable water management practices and infrastructure development in Minnesota.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
113 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Boreen Lower