Bear Valley S-22b is a privately owned dam located in Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, along the Cold Creek-TR. Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans 550 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.5 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Bear Valley S-22b is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in 2015. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 520 cubic feet per second. Its risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures.

Overall, Bear Valley S-22b plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the Wabasha County area, serving as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its sturdy construction and regulatory oversight, this dam contributes to the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems from potential flooding events.