Upland Cell Ii Interior Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upland Cell II Interior is a privately-owned dam located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota, specifically in the city of Virginia. Completed in 2011, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a length of 11,000 feet. Its primary purpose is to contain tailings, with a storage capacity of 4,750 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 950 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 29 acres and has a drainage area of 2.6 square miles, making it a significant structure in the region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Environmental and Water Resources Division, Upland Cell II Interior is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies. The dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in August 2013. While emergency action plans and risk assessments are not explicitly mentioned in the data, the dam's compliance with guidelines and management measures are points to be further investigated for ensuring the safety and resilience of this critical water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

The presence of Upland Cell II Interior on the Wouri Creek in Minnesota underscores the importance of diligent monitoring and maintenance of dams to prevent potential risks to downstream communities and ecosystems. With its significant storage capacity and height, this earth dam plays a crucial role in managing tailings and protecting the surrounding environment. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the regulatory framework, inspection frequency, and emergency preparedness for Upland Cell II Interior can provide valuable insights into the intersection of water infrastructure management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

11000

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

WOURI CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

4750

Structural Height

60

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

60
       
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.