Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper, located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, is a vital wetland restoration project overseen by the local government.
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Summary
This project, designed by Houston Eng, aims to enhance the ecosystem and biodiversity of the area by restoring and preserving the wetlands along the Pelican River. The project is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that the wetlands are protected and managed in accordance with state regulations.
The dam at Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper is a rockfill structure with a height of 8 feet and a storage capacity of 2698 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected to ensure its fair condition and continued safety. The project also includes emergency preparedness measures, although details on the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessment are not currently available. Overall, Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper serves as a model for sustainable wetland management and environmental stewardship in the region.
With its focus on wetland restoration and conservation, Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and resilience of the ecosystem in Becker County, Minnesota. By preserving the wetlands along the Pelican River, this project not only benefits local wildlife and plant species but also contributes to the overall water quality and climate resilience of the area. As a community-led initiative with state regulatory oversight, Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper stands as a testament to the importance of proactive environmental stewardship and sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change.
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
PELICAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Nid Storage |
2698 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Rice Lake Wetland Restoration Upper
Heartland trail Detroit Lakes