The Sorenson Group, located in Fillmore County, Minnesota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks along the Root River South Branch. Completed in 1976, this buttress-core type dam stands at 26 feet high and stretches 218 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 17.6 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flood hazards in the area.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Sorenson Group dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in April 2016. While the dam is uncontrolled regarding its spillway type and outlet gates, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With its strategic location in the St. Paul District and its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Sorenson Group dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Sorenson Group dam presents an intriguing case study in dam engineering and flood risk management. Its modest size and design features offer valuable insights into the balance between water storage capacity, hydraulic efficiency, and structural integrity. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding the role of dams like Sorenson Group in enhancing community resilience against extreme weather events becomes increasingly important, highlighting the significance of sustainable water resource management practices in safeguarding our environment and communities for the future.