Nielsville Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brekke Pond Spokely Farms Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nielsville is a private dam located in Polk County, Minnesota, designed for flood risk reduction along the Red River.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
RED RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
110 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sand Hill River At Climax
|
36cfs |
Marsh River Near Shelly
|
2cfs |
Red River Of The North At Halstad
|
810cfs |
Goose River At Hillsboro
|
27cfs |
Red River Of The North Near Thompson
|
1020cfs |
Red Lake River At Fisher
|
596cfs |
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.
Nielsville