Hibbing Taconite Starter No. 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hibbing Taconite Starter No.


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Summary

4, located in Chisholm, Minnesota, is a privately owned tailings dam regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This earth dam stands at 100 feet tall and stretches 5638 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50,000 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Shannon River in St. Louis County and serves the primary purpose of storing tailings from the mining operation.

With a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition was last assessed as satisfactory in October 2009. Regular inspections are conducted every four years to ensure the structural integrity of the dam. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet regulatory standards and poses no immediate risk to the surrounding area. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment information are not currently available, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness for any potential emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hibbing Taconite Starter No. 4 presents an intriguing case study of a critical infrastructure project in the mining industry. The dam's location on the Shannon River and its role in managing tailings underscore the complex relationship between water resources and industrial activities. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding the management and regulation of dams like Hibbing Taconite Starter No. 4 will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability of water resources in mining regions.

Dam Length

5638

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

SHANNON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

3.9

Nid Storage

50000

Structural Height

100

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

100
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.