Spike Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spike Lake, located in Clearwater County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated fish and wildlife pond with a concrete dam measuring 8 feet in height.


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Summary

Built in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration Civilian Conservation Corps Workers, the dam has a structural height of 8 feet and a spillway width of 10 feet. The lake has a storage capacity of 2123 acre-feet and covers an area of 80 acres, serving as a habitat for various wildlife species.

Maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Spike Lake is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the lake poses a moderate risk and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway. Despite its age, Spike Lake continues to provide essential support for the local ecosystem and remains a valuable resource for water and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation of fish and wildlife habitats in the region.

Visitors to Spike Lake can enjoy its scenic beauty and observe the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in and around the waterbody. The lake's role as a fish and wildlife pond underscores its significance in supporting biodiversity and promoting ecological balance in the surrounding area. As a state-owned and regulated water resource, Spike Lake represents a harmonious blend of conservation efforts and recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts to appreciate and protect for future generations.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

11

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

CLEARWATER RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

80

Hydraulic Height

0.8

Drainage Area

17

Nid Storage

2123

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.