Knutson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Knutson is a stone dam located on the Mississippi River in Bena, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1900, it serves a variety of purposes, with a primary purpose listed as "Other." With a dam height of 9.3 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 120,000 acre-feet, Knutson plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.

Although Knutson is owned by a federal agency, it is not regulated by the state and does not require state permitting, inspection, or enforcement. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 25,965 acre-feet and covers a surface area of the same size. With a drainage area of 1,078 square miles, Knutson has a significant impact on the surrounding ecosystem and water flow. Despite being over a century old, the dam's condition assessment has not been rated, and it has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Knutson presents an interesting case study in dam management and infrastructure. Its location on the Mississippi River, along with its unique design features such as a buttress core type, make it a valuable asset for water storage and control in the region. The dam's historical significance, combined with its low hazard potential and lack of state regulation, offer a unique perspective on the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and infrastructure maintenance.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

9.3

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

25965

Hydraulic Height

3.1

Drainage Area

1078

Nid Storage

120000

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.