Canisteo Pit Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Canisteo Pit, located in Itasca County, Minnesota, is a privately owned tailings dam with a height of 75 feet and a storage capacity of 52,500 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam, constructed for the primary purpose of tailings storage, is regulated and inspected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR). With a surface area of 1,500 acres and a drainage area of 7.3 square miles, Canisteo Pit plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, specifically in the Trout Creek watershed.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Canisteo Pit has not undergone recent modifications or inspections, with the last inspection conducted in August 2016. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures remain unclear, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of the structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area can engage with local authorities to advocate for updated inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures for Canisteo Pit to safeguard the surrounding environment and community from potential hazards.

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

TROUT CREEK-TR

Surface Area

1500

Drainage Area

7.3

Nid Storage

52500

Structural Height

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

75
       
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.