Bowstring Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowstring Dam, located in Itasca County, Minnesota, is a Federal-owned structure that regulates the flow of the Bowstring River.


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Summary

Completed in 1989, this Earth-type dam stands at 8 feet tall and spans 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR).

With a primary purpose classified as 'Other', Bowstring Dam serves a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. It is equipped with spillway controls and has a maximum discharge rate of 58 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition is currently 'Not Rated', with the last inspection conducted in 2007. While it meets state permitting and inspection requirements, there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, highlighting a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness.

As an important infrastructure for water management in the area, Bowstring Dam provides a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Its presence along the Bowstring River underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of this vital structure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

BOWSTRING RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

192

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.