West Fork Group No. 1, located in Lake City, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1971 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 435 feet, providing a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 375 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks for the Wells Creek-TR watershed.

Managed by the Detroit District of the USACE, West Fork Group No. 1 features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a flood risk reduction focus that aligns with its primary purpose. The dam's construction and operations are overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols in place to maintain its functionality and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite its moderate risk assessment score, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure component for the Goodhue County watershed, demonstrating the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and private entities in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.

With Angie Craig, a Democratic Congresswoman, representing the area, West Fork Group No. 1 stands as a testament to the partnership between government agencies, designers, and private owners in safeguarding communities from potential flood risks. Its location in the Wells Creek-TR watershed underscores the importance of sound water resource management practices, as the dam continues to play a crucial role in flood risk reduction efforts within the Minnesota region. As climate change impacts intensify, the coordination and maintenance of structures like West Fork Group No. 1 become increasingly essential in preserving the ecological balance and resilience of water systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.