Fargo-moorhead Diversion
Fargo-moorhead Diversion is a rockfill dam located in Clay County, Minnesota. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Fargo-moorhead Diversion
The primary purpose of Fargo-moorhead Diversion is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Fargo, Moorhead, Diversion Authority (local government). It impounds the Red River near Fargo-moorhead.
The dam stands 54 feet tall, has a maximum storage capacity of 512,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6,800 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam.
At 54 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Minnesota dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Clay |
| Nearest City | Fargo-moorhead |
| River/Stream | Red River |
| Coordinates | 46.70589, -96.78379 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 54 ft |
| Dam Height | 54 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 512,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 512,000 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 6,800 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Fargo, Moorhead, Diversion Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MN01721 |
| Federal ID | MN01721 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |