Located in Carlton County, Minnesota, the Hanson dam, also known as Red Clay Erosion Control, was constructed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Skunk Creek. This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 830 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 573 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2014, the dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hanson serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood control in the region. Its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates help regulate water discharge, with a maximum flow capacity of 536 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is deemed to meet emergency action plan guidelines, ensuring preparedness for potential inundation events.

Representing a vital component of water resource management in the area, Hanson stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction efforts. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a key role in safeguarding downstream communities from the impacts of flooding, highlighting the importance of proactive infrastructure development in mitigating climate-related risks.