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