Pagel-Madden Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pagel-Madden, also known as Lake Marion, is a privately owned dam located in Lyon, Minnesota, near the city of Lamberton.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands 40 feet tall and spans 470 feet in length, serving primarily as a water supply source. The dam has a storage capacity of 141 acre-feet and is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Pagel-Madden underwent its last inspection in March 2016 and was found to be in satisfactory condition. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 225 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a potential for moderate consequences in the event of failure.

Pagel-Madden's association with the Meadow Creek-TR stream system and its role in water supply management make it a key structure in the region. With a history of sound maintenance and regulatory oversight, this dam continues to play a vital role in ensuring water resource sustainability in the area.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

MEADOW CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

141

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.