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. 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.