Holman Tailings Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Holman Tailings Basin in Minnesota is a privately owned earth dam structure designed by GEI, with a primary purpose of storing tailings.


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Summary

This significant hazard potential dam has a height of 45 feet and a storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet. Located in Itasca County near Trout Creek, the dam spans over 12,000 feet in length and covers a surface area of 2 acres.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Holman Tailings Basin is subject to state regulations, permitting, and inspections to ensure its safe operation and maintenance. Despite its condition not being rated, the dam has a designated inspection frequency of 4 years, with the last inspection conducted in June 2016. Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unlisted.

Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate-related infrastructure in the St. Paul District can find the Holman Tailings Basin to be a compelling subject for further study. Its unique design, location, and significance as a storage facility for tailings make it a noteworthy feature in Minnesota's environmental landscape, warranting continued monitoring and assessment to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Dam Length

12232

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

TROUT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

10000

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

45
       
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.