Crooked Creek S-3 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Freeburg, Minnesota. Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and stretches 350 feet in length. Its primary purpose is to mitigate the risk of flooding along the Crooked Creek South Fork, with a storage capacity of 288 acre-feet.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Crooked Creek S-3 is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk of failure according to a recent assessment. Its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates add to its risk profile, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.

With a drainage area of 2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 782 cubic feet per second, Crooked Creek S-3 plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from the devastating impacts of flooding. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, structures like this are crucial in safeguarding water resources and communities against the growing threat of floods.