Black Dog Lake West Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Dog Lake West is a concrete dam located in Burnsville, Minnesota, along the Minnesota River.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this dam serves a primary purpose that falls under the category of "Other", with a total storage capacity of 3,550 acre-feet. The dam stands at a structural height of 25 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 1,000 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 335 acres.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Black Dog Lake West has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam features a vertical lift outlet gate for water release and is inspected every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management within Dakota County, Minnesota, providing vital flood control and water storage capabilities for the surrounding area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Black Dog Lake West represents a fascinating engineering feat that has stood the test of time since its construction over six decades ago. With its strategic location along the Minnesota River and its significant storage capacity, this dam plays a vital role in ensuring water security and flood protection for the residents of Burnsville and beyond. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Black Dog Lake West serve as essential infrastructure for managing and safeguarding our precious water supply in the face of environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MINNESOTA RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

335

Drainage Area

8.7

Nid Storage

3550

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.