Grass Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Whitefield Wma Little Kandiyohi Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Grass Lake in Kandiyohi, Minnesota is a locally owned Earth dam with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by Barr Eng, this low-hazard potential structure is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of its 625-acre normal storage area. With a storage capacity of 5161 acre-feet and located within a 16.9 square mile drainage area, Grass Lake plays a vital role in preserving the natural habitat and supporting wildlife in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Grass Lake is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Division of Ecological and Water Resources, ensuring that the dam meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement standards. The dam's vertical lift outlet gates enable controlled water release, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. While the structure's condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections every 8 years help to monitor its performance and identify any necessary maintenance or upgrades to ensure its continued functionality.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Grass Lake as a key component in the conservation efforts of the local government. Its strategic location and purposeful design underscore the importance of sustainable water management practices in supporting the diverse flora and fauna that rely on this vital resource. As a Fish and Wildlife Pond, Grass Lake serves as a valuable sanctuary for wildlife, contributing to the overall biodiversity and environmental resilience of the region.
Dam Height |
13 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
16.9 |
Nid Storage |
5161 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellow Medicine River Near Granite Falls
|
133cfs |
Minnesota River At Montevideo
|
1810cfs |
Minnesota River At Morton
|
1750cfs |
Chippewa River Near Watson
|
423cfs |
Chippewa River Near Milan
|
624cfs |
Redwood River Near Redwood Falls
|
53cfs |
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.
Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East Campgrounds
Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West Campgrounds
Diamond Lake County Park Campgrounds
Grass Lake
Kandiyohi County