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Willow River State Park Little Falls Dam
A complete drawdown of Little Falls Lake began in June 2015. The dam was breached in the fall of 2015 in order to complete the full drawdown of the impoundment. The lake has now been completely drained. The drawdown is in response to safety issues identified with the dam structure. The waterfall, camping and hiking trails will not be affected by this project.
The river will continue to flow through the lake bed throughout this process; however, the water will no longer be impounded to create the lake. This is a significant project, that is expected to last several years. While the lake is drawn down, the swimming beach will not be available but the sand area at the beach site is open for public use. Due to the receding water level, the boat launch is closed to trailer use. Canoe and kayak rentals are not available. At this time, visitors may access the remaining impoundment by carrying in their own non-motorized boats.
Live images of Little Falls Dam reconstruction
Below is a current image of the dam reconstruction. Click on the menu to refresh or visit the TrueLook live image website [exit DNR] to view streaming images of the work.
Slideshow
SLIDE SHOW | 25 photosLittle Falls Dam deconstruction and reconstruction slideshow
The following documents provide more detailed information about the Little Falls Lake drawdown and the Little Falls Dam.
Final alternatives analysis
- Willow River State Park Little Falls Dam Alternatives Analysis, February 2016 [PDF]
- Exhibit 1 Project Team [PDF]
- Exhibit 2a Location Map - after [PDF]
- Exhibit 2b Location Map - before [PDF]
- Exhibit 3 2010 Water Quality Management Plan Update [PDF]
- Exhibit 4 Little Falls Lake Survey Map [PDF]
- Exhibit 5 Lake Survey Information Sheet [PDF]
- Exhibit 6 Lake Mallalieu Survey Map [PDF]
- Exhibit 7 Little Falls Dam Engineered Drawing [PDF]
- Exhibit 8 Little Falls Dam 2011 Inspection Report [PDF]
- Exhibit 9 Little Falls Dam 2013 Inspection Report [PDF]
- Exhibit 10 Pre-Design Feasibility Study, April 2015 [PDF]
- Exhibit 11 Dam Failure Analysis Excerpt [PDF]
- Exhibit 12 Notice of Impending Drawdown, February 2015 [PDF]
- Exhibit 13 Plan Approval for Breach, September 2015 [PDF]
- Exhibit 14 Photographs of Drawdown Process [PDF]
- Exhibit 15 DRAFT Drawdown Strategy - Sediment Management Report [PDF]
- Exhibit 16 Public Informational Meeting Summaries [PDF]
- Exhibit 17 Draft Project Schedule [PDF]
- Exhibit 18 Seepage Study [PDF]
FAQs
- Willow River State Park and Little Falls Lake Drawdown Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]
- Willow River State Park and Little Falls Lake Drawdown Frequently Asked Questions (continued) [PDF]
Inspection reports
- Inspection report - October 17, 2011 [PDF]
- Inspection report - August 8, 2013 [PDF]
- DFA document [PDF]
Feasibility study
News releases
- News release - February 10, 2015 [PDF]
- News release - March 10, 2015 [PDF]
- News release - April 16, 2015 [PDF]
- News release - August 25, 2015 [PDF]
- News release - October 8, 2015 [PDF]
Public meeting agendas
- Public meeting agenda - May 6, 2015 [PDF]
- Staff present at May 6th public meeting [PDF]
- Video of May 6th public meeting [exit DNR]
- Public meeting agenda - October 20, 2015 [PDF]
