South Fork Pine River dam
South Fork Pine River
South Fork Pine River, also known as Bull Moose Wma, is a vital water resource located in Cass County, Minnesota. Managed by the local government, this rockfill dam was completed in 1979 and serves various purposes including flood control, irrigation, and recreation. With a height of 6 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Pine River South Fork.
This structure, designed by MNDNR-DOW, is under the regulatory oversight of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR). Despite being classified as low hazard potential, South Fork Pine River is regularly inspected and its condition is assessed as fair. Situated in a picturesque location near Cross Lake, this dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find South Fork Pine River to be a fascinating example of infrastructure that balances environmental conservation with human needs.
With a drainage area of 14.6 square miles, South Fork Pine River plays a significant role in the hydrology of the region. The dam's presence ensures a reliable water supply for various stakeholders while also protecting against potential flooding events. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like South Fork Pine River will become increasingly crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between human development and environmental sustainability.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around South Fork Pine River -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Crow Wing River At Nimrod | 284 cfs | → |
| Straight River Near Park Rapids | 45 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Brainerd | 2,750 cfs | → |
| Crow Wing River Near Pillager | 1,720 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Aitkin | 2,120 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River Near Bemidji | 115 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near South Fork Pine River.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About South Fork Pine River
Where does the data for South Fork Pine River come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.