Crooked Creek R-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crooked Creek R-1, also known as the Wohlers Structure, is a local government-owned dam located in Freeburg, Minnesota.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at 44 feet tall and stretches 480 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Crooked Creek North Fork-TR. With a storage capacity of 363 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 312 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Crooked Creek R-1 has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as per the last assessment in June 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, stone core, and soil foundation, with emergency action plans and risk assessments in place to handle any potential incidents. With a moderate risk rating, this dam is regularly inspected every 8 years to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

As part of the St. Paul District under the USACE, Crooked Creek R-1 contributes to water resource management efforts in the region, showcasing the collaboration between federal and state agencies in safeguarding against floods and other water-related disasters. With its strategic location in Houston County, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for maintaining water quality and protecting downstream areas from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK N FORK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21.3

Drainage Area

3.3

Nid Storage

363

Structural Height

56

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

56
       
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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.