Clay-Boswell is a significant earth dam located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, along the Mississippi River. Owned by a public utility, the dam stands at a height of 50 feet and spans a length of 20,000 feet, with a storage capacity of 8,250 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose that is classified as "Other," and its condition assessment as of August 2009 is deemed satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential.

The state-regulated Clay-Boswell dam is subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It is situated in Itasca County and falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in September 2011, and it meets guidelines for risk management. Despite a minimal drainage area of 0.13 square miles, the dam's surface area covers 464 acres, emphasizing its role in water resource management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clay-Boswell presents a fascinating case study of dam infrastructure in Minnesota. Its location on the Mississippi River, coupled with its significant hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts. With a diverse array of regulatory agencies overseeing its operations, this earth dam serves as a crucial piece of the water management puzzle in Itasca County, showcasing the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and public safety along one of America's most iconic rivers.