Gehling Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gehling Pond, located in Whalan, Minnesota, is a private earth dam constructed in 1978 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.45 square miles. With a maximum discharge of 552 cubic feet per second, the pond plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

Despite having an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Gehling Pond is classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. It is currently not rated for its condition assessment, but efforts have been made to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam. The pond covers an area of 1 acre with a normal storage capacity of 5 acre-feet, making it a valuable resource for water management in Fillmore County.

With its strategic location along the Mid Branch Root River and offstream design, Gehling Pond serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the pond contributes to flood risk reduction efforts in the region and helps mitigate potential water-related hazards. As a key feature of the water resource system in Fillmore County, Gehling Pond exemplifies the importance of sustainable water management practices in addressing climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

282

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

MID BRANCH ROOT RIV-OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

0.45

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.