Vangsness Pond, located in Goodhue County, Minnesota, is a privately owned water resource managed by USDA NRCS. This earth dam structure, completed in 1965, primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction along the Belle Creek-TR river system. With a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres, Vangsness Pond plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flood hazards in the area.

The dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a structural height of 25 feet, with uncontrolled spillways and outlets. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, regular inspections are conducted every 8 years to ensure its operational integrity. The risk assessment for Vangsness Pond indicates a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and infrastructure from potential inundation events.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Vangsness Pond serves as a vital component in the water resource infrastructure of the region. With state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam continues to provide essential flood risk reduction benefits while maintaining a balance between water resource management and climate resilience in the area.