Wolf Lake dam
Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake, located in Itasca County, Minnesota, is a state-regulated reservoir with a primary purpose designated as "Other." The dam, completed in 1938, is a gravity type with a height of 9 feet and a hydraulic height of 4.2 feet. With a storage capacity of 1520 acre-feet and a drainage area of 58.6 square miles, Wolf Lake serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. The reservoir has a surface area of 188 acres and a normal storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, providing essential water for various uses.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wolf Lake has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in August 2017. The dam has a structural height of 11 feet and a length of 35 feet, contributing to its reliable performance in water management and flood control. Despite its modest size, the reservoir plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and supporting the ecosystem of the Prairie River. With its regulated status and consistent inspection and enforcement protocols, Wolf Lake stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in Minnesota.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate Wolf Lake for its historical significance and ongoing importance in the region. The dam's construction during the Works Progress Administration era showcases a commitment to infrastructure development, while its continued operation reflects modern efforts to sustainably manage water resources in the face of changing climate patterns. As a key component of the local watershed, Wolf Lake serves as a model for effective dam regulation and maintenance, ensuring the resilience of water systems in Itasca County and beyond.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Wolf Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie River Near Taconite | 254 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Grand Rapids | 545 cfs | → |
| Big Fork River At Big Falls | 697 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wolf Lake.
⚓ Boat launches
More boat launches →⛺ Campgrounds
- Nashwauk Campground
- Mccarthy Beach State Park Campground
- Mccarthy Beach State Park
- Clubhouse Campground
- Clubhouse
- Thistledew Campground And Day-Use Area
Track Wolf Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Wolf Lake
Where does the data for Wolf Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Wolf Lake.