Knutson is a stone dam located on the Mississippi River in Bena, Minnesota.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Mississippi River Near Bemidji
|
169cfs |
Mississippi River At Grand Rapids
|
633cfs |
Straight River Near Park Rapids
|
46cfs |
Red Lake River Near Red Lake
|
385cfs |
Prairie River Near Taconite
|
63cfs |
Crow Wing River At Nimrod
|
279cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Knutson Dam Campground
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Knutson Dam
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Bimijiwan (formerly Knutson Dam) recreation area
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Camp Cassaway
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Wanaki
|
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Wanaki Campground Loop
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