Lake Bemidji

About Lake Bemidji

The primary purpose of Lake Bemidji 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 Ottertail Power Co (public utility). It impounds the Mississippi River.

The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 60 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 201 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 626 square miles. Completed in 1907, the structure is over a century old.

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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/27/2022.

At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% of dams nationwide.

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