Phelps Mill Pond
Phelps Mill Pond is a gravity dam located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, built in 1873. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Phelps Mill Pond
The primary purpose of Phelps Mill Pond is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by County Of Otter Tail (local government). It impounds the Otter Tail River near Phelps.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 120 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,066 square miles. Completed in 1873, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 08/11/2022.
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Location
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Otter Tail |
| Nearest City | Phelps |
| River/Stream | Otter Tail River |
| Coordinates | 46.38027, -95.82139 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 11 ft |
| Dam Length | 120 ft |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 960 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1,066 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,900 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | County of Otter Tail |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/11/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MN00202 |
| Federal ID | MN00202 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |