Dixon Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dixon Pond, also known as Pickle Creek- Benshoof, is a privately owned earth dam located in Pine County, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves a primary purpose of 'Other' with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment. The dam has a height of 8 feet, a length of 550 feet, and a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet, providing vital water resource management for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Dixon Pond is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a maximum discharge of 238 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage for the region. Despite its moderate risk assessment, Dixon Pond remains a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

In the picturesque city of Taylors Falls, Dixon Pond sits along the Pickle Creek, offering a serene location for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam provides water storage and recreational opportunities for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and managing structures like Dixon Pond will be essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the future.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

PICKLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

102

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.