Northshore Mining Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Northshore Mining is a private entity located in Silver Bay, Minnesota, situated near the Beaver River.


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Summary

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.

Dam Length

26000

Dam Height

100

River Or Stream

BEAVER R-TR OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1575

Drainage Area

3.5

Nid Storage

31500

Structural Height

100

Hazard Potential

High

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.