Sorenson Group Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lanesboro Horihan-Herrick
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
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.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
218 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
ROOT RIVER S BRANCH-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
17.6 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Root River Near Pilot Mound
|
303cfs |
Root River Near Houston
|
472cfs |
South Fork Root River Near Houston
|
209cfs |
Upper Iowa River At Bluffton
|
264cfs |
Mississippi River At Winona
|
13700cfs |
Upper Iowa River At Decorah
|
137cfs |
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.
Riverview City Campground
Sylvan City Park
Highway 250 Campground
Isinours Campsite
Eagle Cliff Campground & Lodging
Fillmore County Fairgrounds Campgrounds
Sorenson Group