Nielsville is a private dam located in Polk County, Minnesota, designed for flood risk reduction along the Red River. Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 100 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Nielsville has not been inspected since 1996, highlighting potential concerns over its current condition and safety.

Situated in East Grand Forks, Nielsville serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources in the region, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam's design features a buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway, allowing for a maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second. While the dam's storage capacity and operational capabilities contribute to its overall effectiveness in mitigating flood risks, the lack of recent inspections raises questions about its long-term maintenance and regulatory oversight.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns in the area, maintaining the integrity and safety of structures like Nielsville becomes increasingly crucial. With its strategic location along the Red River and critical role in flood risk management, prioritizing regular inspections and maintenance efforts will be essential to ensure the continued resilience and effectiveness of this important infrastructure in safeguarding the surrounding community against potential water-related hazards.