Kass-Morgan Group Farm Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Monroe Twp 8 Griffith-Glynn Farm Pond
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Kass-Morgan Group Farm Pond, located in Lyon County, Minnesota, was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Cottonwood River.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam structure stands at 26 feet high and spans 350 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 89.4 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Kass-Morgan Group Farm Pond plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area by controlling the flow of the Cottonwood River. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the potential for inundation and protecting surrounding properties. The dam's satisfactory condition, last assessed in March 2017, highlights the commitment to maintaining its structural integrity and ensuring the safety of downstream communities.
As a vital component of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in Lyon County, the Kass-Morgan Group Farm Pond serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private landowners and government agencies to protect against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location and design, this earth dam structure exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of a changing climate, providing a model for sustainable flood control practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
89.4 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
|---|---|---|
Garvin CP - Upper Campground
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Garvin CP- Lower Campground
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Swift Lake Park
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Sundquist Park at West Lake Sarah
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Kass-Morgan Group Farm Pond