Harold Buck Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vangsness Pond Belle Creek R-2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harold Buck Dam, located in Red Wing, Minnesota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks in the area.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches out over a length of 460 feet, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition and low hazard potential.
Despite its modest size and low hazard potential, Harold Buck Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 0.8 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 0.3 acre-feet, the dam helps to mitigate the risk of flooding in the Belle Creek watershed. The structure's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates are designed to manage water flow during periods of high discharge, contributing to the overall flood risk reduction efforts in the region.
As a key piece of infrastructure in the Detroit District and under the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Harold Buck Dam serves as a testament to the importance of proper water resource management and climate adaptation strategies. Its construction and ongoing maintenance reflect a commitment to safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events, showcasing the vital role that dams play in enhancing resilience to climate change in the region.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BELLE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cannon River At Welch
|
384cfs |
Mississippi River At Red Wing
|
12400cfs |
Vermillion River Near Empire
|
40cfs |
Mississippi River At Prescott
|
12900cfs |
Straight River Near Faribault
|
83cfs |
Mississippi River Below L&D #2 At Hastings
|
7800cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Harold Buck Dam