Handeen-Jahn Group Pond, located in Chippewa County, Minnesota, serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Minnesota River. Constructed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this privately owned Earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 31 feet and spans 330 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, the pond covers a surface area of 55 acres and effectively manages water flow from a drainage area of 1 square mile.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Handeen-Jahn Group Pond is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates pose moderate risks, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of 3. Emergency action plans and inundation maps are yet to be prepared, suggesting a need for enhanced risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the event of a flood event.

In collaboration with federal and state agencies, the Natural Resources Conservation Service oversees the ongoing operation and maintenance of Handeen-Jahn Group Pond. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, this critical water resource infrastructure plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities downstream from potential flooding. With a commitment to proactive risk mitigation strategies, the pond continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction while remaining an essential asset for water resource management in the region.