Mille Lacs Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ogechie Lake Kurtz Pond
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mille Lacs, located in Mille Lacs, Minnesota, is a state-regulated water structure owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR).
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam on the Rum River was completed in 2015 and has a normal storage capacity of 133,000 acre-feet. It covers a surface area of 128,227 acres and serves a drainage area of 415 square miles.
The dam at Mille Lacs is classified as a buttress type, with a hydraulic height of 2.5 feet and a hazard potential rated as low. While the condition assessment is not rated, the structure undergoes inspections every 8 years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 665,000 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in water resource management and recreational activities in the region.
In the event of any emergencies, the dam at Mille Lacs has measures in place to mitigate risks, although specific details on emergency action plans and risk assessments are not provided. Overall, Mille Lacs serves as an important water resource infrastructure for the community, providing not only recreational opportunities but also aiding in water storage and management in the region.
Year Completed |
2015 |
Dam Height |
7.5 |
River Or Stream |
RUM RIVER |
Surface Area |
128227 |
Hydraulic Height |
2.5 |
Drainage Area |
415 |
Nid Storage |
665000 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Brainerd
|
972cfs |
Mississippi River At Aitkin
|
1010cfs |
Crow Wing River Near Pillager
|
742cfs |
Mississippi River Near Royalton
|
2110cfs |
Kettle River Below Sandstone
|
170cfs |
Snake River Near Pine City
|
138cfs |
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.
Mille Lacs
Vineland