Pleasant Valley No. 8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pleasant Valley No.


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Summary

8, also known as S. Girtler Detention, is a private earth dam located in Winona, Minnesota. Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1968, this structure serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Pleasant Valley Creek. With a dam height of 35 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the area.

The dam, with a significant hazard potential, features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While it is not currently rated for condition assessment, it is noted as having a moderate risk level. Despite its importance in flood control, the dam has not been inspected recently and lacks an emergency action plan. Its location in a high-risk area underscores the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the surrounding community from potential water-related hazards.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Pleasant Valley No. 8 as a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. Its history, design, and current risk assessment provide valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities associated with managing water resources in a changing climate. As efforts continue to address the potential impacts of extreme weather events, structures like this dam will play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and natural habitats against the threats of flooding.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

403

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

PLEASANT VALLEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

0.92

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.