Water levels controlled by dam, dependent on rain
The Leech Lake Dam (LLD) is one of six dams operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers within the Mississippi Headwaters Project. Water levels are governed by a congressionally-approved water control plan that coordinates the operation of each reservoir as needed to achieve water control plan targets throughout varying seasons and weather conditions. Local conditions are considered as much as possible but downstream flood damage reduction can become priority when warranted. For example, during wet cycles the Mississippi River in and around the Aitkin area often is forecasted or actually within flood stages that impact the operational decisions of Pokegama, Leech, and Winnie dams to assist with minimizing downstream flood damages. Another example that may impact operational decisions is the Mississippi River channel capacity in the Ball Club/Deer River area of only about 2200 cfs.
Leech Lake Dam is located on the Northeast corner of Portage Bay and forms the Leech Lake River. The Leech flows into the Mississippi south of US HWY 2 downstream of the MN DNR Mud/Goose Wildlife Management Area. The Corps of Engineers provides recreation facilities such as boat ramps, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and other services within the grounds at Leech Lake Dam.
*All elevations are referenced in 1929 NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929).
USEFUL LINKS
Up-to-date water levels at Sugar Point near Leech Lake Dam
Minnesota Cooperative Stream Gaging
For questions or if you would like to comment regarding how lake levels are affecting you, email Jason Hauser, US. Army Corps of Engineers, and LLA board member, at [email protected].
Leech Lake Dam is located on the Northeast corner of Portage Bay and forms the Leech Lake River. The Leech flows into the Mississippi south of US HWY 2 downstream of the MN DNR Mud/Goose Wildlife Management Area. The Corps of Engineers provides recreation facilities such as boat ramps, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and other services within the grounds at Leech Lake Dam.
*All elevations are referenced in 1929 NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929).
USEFUL LINKS
Up-to-date water levels at Sugar Point near Leech Lake Dam
Minnesota Cooperative Stream Gaging
For questions or if you would like to comment regarding how lake levels are affecting you, email Jason Hauser, US. Army Corps of Engineers, and LLA board member, at [email protected].