International Falls

About International Falls

The primary purpose of International Falls 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 International Falls Power Company (private). It impounds the Rainy River near Baudette, Mn.

The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 505 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 48,296 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 77,274 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,000 square miles. Completed in 1909, the structure is over a century old.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. 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 08/11/2021.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.