SNOFLO

Buehler Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Buehler Detention, a privately owned earth dam located in Berne, Minnesota, was designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1965.


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Summary

This structure, regulated by the MNDNR EWR, serves as a crucial water resource management tool for the Zumbro River Middle Fork. With a dam height of 17 feet and a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, Buehler Detention plays a significant role in flood control and water storage in Dodge County.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Buehler Detention undergoes regular inspections every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam, with uncontrolled spillways and outlets, has a moderate risk assessment rating. The risk management measures and emergency action plans for this facility are currently not fully detailed, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

As a part of the St. Paul District managed by the USACE, Buehler Detention contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. With a primary purpose of "other" and a core type of buttress earth dam, this structure stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners, federal agencies, and state regulators in safeguarding water resources and addressing climate challenges in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

ZUMBRO RIVER MIDDLE FK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

119

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Buehler DetentionSOUTH FORK ZUMBRO RIVER AT ROCHESTER Preview South Fork Zumbro River At Rochester
85.1cfs
85cfs
Buehler DetentionSTRAIGHT RIVER NEAR FARIBAULT Preview Straight River Near Faribault
83.2cfs
83cfs
Buehler DetentionCANNON RIVER AT WELCH Preview Cannon River At Welch
384.0cfs
384cfs
Buehler DetentionMISSISSIPPI RIVER AT RED WING Preview Mississippi River At Red Wing
12400.0cfs
12400cfs
Buehler DetentionCEDAR RIVER NEAR AUSTIN Preview Cedar River Near Austin
110.0cfs
110cfs
Buehler DetentionVERMILLION RIVER NEAR EMPIRE Preview Vermillion River Near Empire
40.4cfs
40cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs