Moehrke Scs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Moehrke SCS, located in Carlton County, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 1977.


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Summary

This structure serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. Situated along Deer Creek, the dam has a height of 21 feet and a length of 350 feet, regulating a drainage area of 6.2 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Moehrke SCS is currently in poor condition, as indicated by a 2016 inspection. The dam is state-regulated and subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The structure's emergency action plan and risk assessment status are currently unknown, raising concerns about its resilience in the face of climate change impacts.

With its essential role in fire protection and water management in the region, Moehrke SCS stands as a critical infrastructure in need of attention and potential rehabilitation to ensure its continued functionality and safety. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should monitor developments related to this dam to support its long-term sustainability and resilience to changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

DEER CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

6.2

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.