Northshore Mining is a private entity located in Silver Bay, Minnesota, situated near the Beaver River. The dam, primarily used for tailings storage, is an earth structure with a height of 100 feet and a length of 26,000 feet. It has a storage capacity of 31,500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,575 acres, serving a drainage area of 3.5 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, with inspections conducted by the same agency to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The Northshore Mining dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment in 2011 deemed it satisfactory. Emergency action preparedness measures and risk assessments appear to be lacking as of the latest data update in 2021. The dam's last inspection was carried out in October 2020, with a frequency of once a year. The surrounding area and downstream communities should be aware of the potential risks associated with the dam and advocate for proper emergency preparedness and risk management measures to ensure the safety and security of the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Northshore Mining presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management and regulation. The intersection of private ownership, state jurisdiction, and federal oversight through agencies like the Mine Safety and Health Administration highlights the complexity of ensuring the safety and environmental impact of such structures. As concerns about climate change and extreme weather events grow, understanding the risk factors and emergency response plans for dams like Northshore Mining becomes increasingly important to safeguard our water resources and communities.