Sugar Lake Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sugar Lake Impoundment is a federal-owned water resource located in Bena, Minnesota, within the Itasca County.


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Summary

Positioned along the Mississippi River-TR, this Earth dam stands at 14 feet high and has a storage capacity of 1,250 acre-feet. With a surface area of 67 acres, it serves a primary purpose that is classified as 'Other', highlighting its unique contribution to the region's water management.

Although the dam's hazard potential is rated as 'Low' and its condition assessment remains 'Not Rated', the structure has not been inspected in recent years. Despite this, its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are currently not available. With its distance of 10 miles from the city and the absence of state regulation, Sugar Lake Impoundment represents a significant water resource within the St. Paul District, inviting further exploration by water resource and climate enthusiasts to understand its impact and potential for sustainable management.

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

67

Nid Storage

1250

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.