Town Lake dam
Town Lake
Located in Frazee, Minnesota, Town Lake is a state-regulated water resource that offers a plethora of recreational opportunities for water enthusiasts. With a surface area of 115 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 445 acre-feet, this reservoir on the Otter Tail River-TR provides a serene setting for activities like boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The dam at Town Lake stands at a height of 10 feet and has a low hazard potential, ensuring the safety of visitors and nearby communities.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Town Lake boasts a satisfactory condition assessment and undergoes regular inspections to maintain its structural integrity. The surrounding area, known for its picturesque landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, adds to the charm of this popular recreational spot. Whether you're seeking a peaceful day of paddling on the water or a serene fishing expedition, Town Lake offers a tranquil escape for water and climate enthusiasts alike.
As part of the Omaha District, Town Lake is a testament to responsible water resource management and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. The collaborative efforts of state agencies, regulators, and inspectors ensure that this reservoir remains a safe and enjoyable destination for outdoor recreation. With its close proximity to the Otter Tail River and surrounding wetlands, Town Lake serves as a vital habitat for wildlife and a valuable source of water for the local community. Whether you're a nature lover, angler, or simply seeking a place to unwind, Town Lake offers a harmonious blend of conservation and recreation in the heart of Minnesota's Becker County.
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 Town Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Tail River Near Elizabeth | 358 cfs | → |
| Buffalo River Near Hawley | 52 cfs | → |
| Straight River Near Park Rapids | 44 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River At Nimrod | 354 cfs | → |
| Otter Tail River Bl Orwell D Nr Fergus Falls | 520 cfs | → |
| South Branch Buffalo River At Sabin | 88 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Town Lake.
Boat launches
- Frazee
- Valley View Road 31379, Becker County
- 513th Street Otter Tail County
- Rice Lake Road 48817, Otter Tail County
- Otter Tail County
Campgrounds
- American Legion Park - Detroit Lakes
- Waterfront Park
- Wolf Lake City Campground
- Maplewood State Park
- Maplewood State Park Campground
- Sherin Memorial City Campground
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Town 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 Town Lake
Where does the data for Town 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 Town Lake.