Knutson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Seeger Group Pond Latendresse
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Red Lake, Minnesota, Knutson is a privately owned earth dam primarily designed for flood risk reduction on the Clearwater River.
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Summary
Built in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this structure stands at a height of 23 feet with a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1048 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, is 50 feet wide, and it has been assessed to have a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Knutson undergoes state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its operational safety. The dam has a moderate risk assessment level and was last inspected in June 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 8 years. Despite its low hazard potential, Knutson plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area and contributes to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
CLEARWATER RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.6 |
Drainage Area |
2.7 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sportsman's Park
|
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Old Crossing Treaty Park
|
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Plummwe Park
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Knutson