Lanesboro
Lanesboro is an other dam located in Fillmore County, Minnesota, built in 1868. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Lanesboro
The primary purpose of Lanesboro 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 City Of Lanesboro (local government). It impounds the Root River South Branch near Lanesboro.
The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 193 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 297 square miles. Completed in 1868, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/03/2024.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.
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 | Fillmore |
| Nearest City | Lanesboro |
| River/Stream | Root River South Branch |
| Coordinates | 43.71690, -91.97922 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 193 ft |
| Year Completed | 1868 (158 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 297 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,700 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | City of Lanesboro |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Last Inspection | 05/03/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MN00517 |
| Federal ID | MN00517 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |