Moose Lake State Park dam
Moose Lake State Park
Moose Lake State Park, also known as East & West Ponds, is a picturesque destination in Carlton, Minnesota, offering a haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The park features a Fish and Wildlife Pond, designed by MN Power & Light, with a dam completed in 1988. The Earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, providing a surface area of 10 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet.
Located along the Moose Horn River, Moose Lake State Park is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safe operation. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the park offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, wildlife observation, and nature appreciation. Despite being classified as a very high risk area, measures are in place to manage any potential risks effectively.
Visitors to Moose Lake State Park can enjoy the serene surroundings while learning about water resources and climate conservation. With its diverse ecosystem and well-maintained facilities, the park serves as a valuable resource for education and recreation, contributing to the preservation of Minnesota's natural heritage. Whether exploring the trails or simply relaxing by the ponds, Moose Lake State Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for water resources and climate resilience.
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 Moose Lake State Park -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis River At Scanlon | 1,680 cfs | → |
| Kettle River Below Sandstone | 520 cfs | → |
| Nemadji River Near South Superior | 199 cfs | → |
| St. Croix River Near Danbury | 1,090 cfs | → |
| Snake River Near Pine City | 1,090 cfs | → |
| Mississippi River At Aitkin | 2,120 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Moose Lake State Park.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Moose Lake State Park
Where does the data for Moose Lake State Park 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.