Clover Leaf Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clover Leaf is a federally owned Earth dam located in Itasca, Minnesota, with the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Built in 1990 by the USDA Forest Service, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 242 acre-feet. It is situated on the TR-Popple River, within the jurisdiction of Congressional District 08, Minnesota.

Despite its low hazard potential, Clover Leaf has been modified structurally in 2013 to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk level of 3 out of 5. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every 10 years, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017. While there are no Emergency Action Plans (EAP) in place or inundation maps prepared, the dam is managed and regulated by the Forest Service to maintain its integrity and reduce potential risks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Clover Leaf to be an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. With a focus on enhancing Fish and Wildlife habitat, this dam serves as a vital resource within the region. The data provided offers valuable insights into the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of Clover Leaf, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resource infrastructure.

Years Modified

2013 - Structural

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-POPPLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

242

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.