Sandy Lake Dam (Big Sandy Lake)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Sandy Lake
NID ID: MN00998
Longitude: -93.31667
Latitude: 46.78333
Map Section: SEC25 T50N R24W
County: AITKIN
River: MISSISSIPPI (BIG SANDY)
State: MN
Nearest City: LIBBY
Dam Designer: USACE
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: CN
Year Completed: 1895
Dam Length: 105 feet
Dam Height: 14 feet
Structural Height: 14 feet
Hydraulic Height: 14 feet
Maximum Storage: 72500 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 37500 acre-feet
Surface Area: 9400 acres
Drainage Area: 421 square miles
Hazard Potential: High
Emergency Action Plan?
Inspection Frequency: 1
State Regulated Dam? Yes
State Regulating Agency: MNDNR WATERS
Spillway Type: Controlled
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:




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