Banks Group Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Banks Group in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, is a privately owned dam regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management. The dam stands at 26 feet in height with a structural height of 30 feet, stretching 420 feet in length and holding a normal storage capacity of 7.3 acre-feet.

Situated on Butler Creek in Goodhue County, the Banks Group dam has a low hazard potential and is rated as satisfactory in condition assessment. With a moderate risk level, the dam has undergone inspections every 8 years, with the last assessment conducted in August 2016. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width is noted as 0 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 60 cubic feet per second.

Owned by a private entity, the Banks Group dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing essential services while maintaining a satisfactory condition. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1960s, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for fire protection and ecological preservation along Butler Creek in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

BUTLER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

30

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.