Lake Osakis 1 dam
Lake Osakis 1
Lake Osakis 1, located in Todd County, Minnesota, is a picturesque water body with a primary purpose of recreation. Constructed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this concrete dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 24 feet in length, providing a structural foundation for the lake's normal storage capacity of 8,849 acre-feet. With a surface area of 6,637 acres and a drainage area of 425 acres, Lake Osakis 1 offers ample opportunities for water enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.
Despite its age, Lake Osakis 1 has been well-maintained, with a fair condition assessment as of 2009 and a low hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet, ensuring proper water release when needed. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections every 8 years help ensure its continued safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Lake Osakis 1 remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil setting for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities in the heart of Minnesota's natural beauty.
Lake Osakis 1, with its historic construction and recreational focus, exemplifies the harmonious blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty. As a state-owned facility in Todd County, this dam serves not only as a key water resource for the local community but also as a beloved recreational spot for visitors seeking to connect with nature. Whether exploring the Long River that feeds into the lake or simply enjoying its serene waters, Lake Osakis 1 offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Minnesota's diverse landscapes and the importance of responsible water resource management in preserving these natural treasures for future generations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Osakis 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Long Prairie River At Long Prairie | 169 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River Near Royalton | 4,130 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River Near Pillager | 1,120 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River At Nimrod | 343 cfs | → |
| Sauk River Near St. Cloud | 517 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Brainerd | 2,380 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Osakis 1.
Boat launches
- 145th Avenue 21946, Todd County
- Faraway Lane Todd County
- County Road 10 Northeast 2235, Douglas County
- 181st Avenue 19470, Todd County
- Central Avenue Osakis
- County Road 11 16149, Todd County
Campgrounds
- Two Mile Trailer Park And Cg
- Shady Oaks Campground
- Lake Carlos State Park Campground
- Lake Carlos Sate Park - Horse Camp
- Clarissa City Park Campground
- Luther Crest Bible Camp
Fishing spots
Track Lake Osakis 1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Osakis 1
Where does the data for Lake Osakis 1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Osakis 1.