Movil Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fox Lake Lake Bemidji
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Movil Lake, located in Turtle River, Minnesota, is a state-owned reservoir with a primary purpose classified as "Other." The dam at Movil Lake is a gravity dam with a structural height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 1.75 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1938, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 19,018 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 853 acres. The reservoir is fed by the Turtle River and has a drainage area of 56.4 square miles.
Despite being a low hazard potential structure, Movil Lake has not been recently rated for its condition. The last inspection took place in October 2007, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 8 years. The reservoir has not been modified in recent years, and no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared or updated. Movil Lake provides important water storage for the region and contributes to the management of water resources in Beltrami County, Minnesota. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Movil Lake represents a historic infrastructure project that continues to serve its intended purpose.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
55 |
Dam Height |
11.5 |
River Or Stream |
TURTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
853 |
Hydraulic Height |
1.75 |
Drainage Area |
56.4 |
Nid Storage |
19018 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Movil Lake
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