Moorhead Lagoon Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Moorhead Lagoon, located in Georgetown, Minnesota, is a gravity dam with a height of 9 feet and a length of 38 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this structure serves as a vital water resource in Clay County, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 26 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has been deemed to have a very high risk assessment rating due to its critical role in managing water flow along the Red River-TR.
Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Moorhead Lagoon undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2009, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the region. The presence of controlled spillways and a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second further highlight its importance in mitigating potential risks and safeguarding the surrounding communities from flooding events.
Overall, Moorhead Lagoon stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in the water resource management system of Clay County, Minnesota. With its strategic location along the Red River-TR and its capacity to store and regulate water flow, this gravity dam plays a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region while minimizing the risks associated with potential flooding. As climate change continues to impact the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the importance of structures like Moorhead Lagoon in ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
38 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
RED RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Drainage Area |
26 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Moorhead Lagoon