West Fork Group No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
West Fork Group No.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
WELLS CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
36 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Red Wing
|
12400cfs |
Cannon River At Welch
|
384cfs |
Mississippi River At Prescott
|
12900cfs |
Mississippi River Below L&D #2 At Hastings
|
8020cfs |
Kinnickinnic River Near River Falls
|
115cfs |
Zumbro River At Kellogg
|
1550cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hay Creek Valley Campground
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Bay City
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Frontenac State Park Cart-in
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Hok-Si-La Park Campground
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West Fork Group No. 1
Mississippi River -- Hager City
Featherstone Park
Pottery Pond
Barn Bluff Park
Colvill Park
Bay Point Park