Morehouse Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Morehouse Park, located in Steele County, Minnesota, is a picturesque recreation area built around the beautiful Straight River.


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Summary

The park features a rockfill dam, completed in 1930, which serves as a primary source of water storage for the region. With a dam height of 8 feet and a structural height of 12 feet, the park offers a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a natural setting.

The dam at Morehouse Park has a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, making it a safe and reliable water storage facility. The park's reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 218 square miles. Additionally, the park boasts a surface area of 15 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 1820 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water management and flood control measures in the area.

Visitors to Morehouse Park can appreciate the controlled spillway type, the rockfill dam's buttress core design, and the park's very high risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam remains well-maintained and continues to provide essential recreational opportunities while safeguarding the local environment. Whether hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the Straight River, Morehouse Park is a must-visit destination for those interested in sustainable water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

STRAIGHT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

218

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.