Sterle Pool Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sterle Pool, also known as Sawyer Wildlife Impoundment Dam, is a concrete dam located in Barnum, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1990 by MNDOT, this structure serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and covers a surface area of 25 acres, providing a habitat for various wildlife species in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Sterle Pool has not been regulated or inspected by the state of Minnesota. The dam is situated on the Moose Horn River, within the Detroit District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With a drainage area of 2.8 square miles, this dam plays a key role in managing water resources in the region and supporting the local ecosystem.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sterle Pool offers a unique opportunity to observe the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental conservation. As a primary source of water for fish and wildlife, this concrete dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity in the Carlton County area of Minnesota.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MOOSE HORN RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

2.8

Nid Storage

250

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.