Fiske Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fiske Lake in Itasca, Minnesota is a Federal-owned fish and wildlife pond that serves as a habitat for various aquatic species.


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Summary

The dam at Fiske Lake, completed in 1990, stands at 12 feet high and spans 350 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 265 acre-feet, the lake primarily functions as a recreational and conservation site within the USDA Forest Service's management.

Despite being a low-hazard dam with a moderate risk assessment, Fiske Lake does not have a designated emergency action plan or condition assessment rating. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and its last inspection was conducted in August 2013, with an inspection frequency of every 10 years. While the dam's risk potential is considered low, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and condition monitoring.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Fiske Lake to be an interesting case study in dam management and conservation efforts. The lake's role in supporting fish and wildlife populations, combined with its modest size and risk profile, present opportunities for further research and monitoring to ensure the continued safety and sustainability of this important water resource in Minnesota's Itasca County.

Years Modified

1990 - Structural

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-POPPLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

265

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.