East Willow Creek E-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East Willow Creek E-3, also known as Mensink, is a privately owned earth dam located in Fillmore, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1958 by USDA NRCS, this structure serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Crystal Creek tributary. Standing at a height of 36 feet and stretching 540 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 332 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.6 square miles.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, East Willow Creek E-3 has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in April 2013. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 24 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates. With a maximum discharge of 475 cubic feet per second, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. Despite being classified as moderate risk (3), the dam has not been modified in recent years and continues to meet regulatory requirements for inspection and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, East Willow Creek E-3 offers a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity in managing water resources for flood risk reduction. With its strategic location in Fillmore County and solid construction by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands as a vital infrastructure piece in safeguarding the local community from potential flooding events along the Crystal Creek tributary. As efforts continue to enhance risk management measures and ensure the dam's long-term integrity, East Willow Creek E-3 remains a key player in the sustainable water management practices in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

CRYSTAL CR TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

332

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.