Butler Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Butler Pond, also known as Empire Lake Dam, is a local government-owned water resource located in Empire, Minnesota.
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Summary
Built in 1965 by the NRCS, this earth dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a primary purpose of promoting the conservation of aquatic habitats. The dam stands at 11 feet tall and spans a length of 700 feet, creating a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 24 acres.
Situated on the Vermillion River-TR, Butler Pond is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting and inspection requirements. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is reported to be in fair condition as of its last assessment in September 2012. With its picturesque location and vital role in supporting local wildlife, Butler Pond serves as a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to admire and study in Dakota County, Minnesota.
As one of the many water structures in the area, Butler Pond adds to the diverse ecosystem of Dakota County and contributes to the overall environmental health of the region. Its significance as a conservation area for fish and wildlife highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like this to ensure their continued functionality and ecological benefits. For those interested in water resources and climate studies, Butler Pond offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and natural habitats in a beautiful setting along the Vermillion River-TR.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
VERMILLION RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Drainage Area |
4.36 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Vermillion River Near Empire
|
40cfs |
Mississippi River Below L&D #2 At Hastings
|
7340cfs |
Minnesota River At Fort Snelling State Park
|
6620cfs |
Mississippi River At Prescott
|
12900cfs |
Mississippi River At St. Paul
|
6420cfs |
Cannon River At Welch
|
384cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
kestrel
Cardinal
bluebird
chickadee
goldfinch
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Butler Pond
Hilary Path 13099, Dakota County