Daniel Ryan is a private earth dam located in Goodhue County, Minnesota, specifically in the city of White Rock along Belle Creek. Built by the NRCS for flood risk reduction, this dam stands at a height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet, serving a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 19.8 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.5 acres, Daniel Ryan plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area.

Despite its importance, Daniel Ryan is currently in poor condition, last inspected in May 2013 with a hazard potential rated as low. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating potential for improvement and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, efforts to address the dam's poor condition and mitigate risk are crucial to maintaining the safety and functionality of this water resource infrastructure for the surrounding community.

As a key structure in the Detroit District managed by the NRCS, the fate of Daniel Ryan will depend on proactive risk management measures and regular inspections to ensure its continued operation and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should keep an eye on developments regarding this dam to support efforts in safeguarding water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.