Crooked Creek S1-B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crooked Creek S1-B is a local government-owned earth dam located in Houston, Minnesota, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this buttress dam stands at a height of 21 feet and a length of 280 feet, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.

Situated on the Crooked Creek North Fork, this dam plays a crucial role in managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. With a maximum discharge capacity of 160 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates help control the flow of water during periods of high precipitation. The dam's moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential threats and ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of the structure.

As a key component of the local flood control infrastructure, Crooked Creek S1-B serves as a vital resource for the community of Houston, Minnesota, and the broader region. Through regular inspections and maintenance, as well as adherence to state regulations and enforcement measures, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between local governments and regulatory agencies to safeguard water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate variability on the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK N FORK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.