Pagel-Young Detention No. 1, also known as Pagel Detention, is a privately owned structure located in Elba, Minnesota, along the Whitewater River S Branch. Designed by USDA NRCS and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 390 feet. Completed in 1972, its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Pagel-Young Detention No. 1 poses a moderate risk level with emergency action plans in place. Inspected every 8 years, this structure has uncontrolled spillways and outlets. It is situated in Winona County, Minnesota, under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite being a privately owned facility, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pagel-Young Detention No. 1 serves as a significant infrastructure for flood control in the area. Its construction and maintenance highlight the collaboration between private owners and government agencies in managing water resources and safeguarding communities against natural disasters. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive measures in climate resilience and sustainable water practices.