Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment
Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment is an earth dam located in Dakota County, Minnesota, built in 1911. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment
The primary purpose of Lake Byllesby Perimeter Embankment is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Dakota And Goodhue Counties (local government). It impounds the Cannon River near Cannon Falls.
The dam stands 9 feet tall and stretches 2,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,430 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 24,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,160 square miles. Completed in 1911, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/13/2022.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Minnesota dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Dakota |
| Nearest City | Cannon Falls |
| River/Stream | Cannon River |
| Coordinates | 44.51630, -92.95220 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Height | 6 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 24,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 24,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,430 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,160 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 94,500 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Dakota And Goodhue Counties |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MN00514 |
| Federal ID | MN00514S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |