Leslie Helickson Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Fillmore County, Minnesota, the Leslie Helickson Detention structure was completed in 1983 by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risk along the Duschee Creek-TR.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at 30 feet tall with a length of 540 feet, providing flood risk reduction and storing a normal capacity of 35 acre-feet of water. The dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment make it a crucial asset in the region's water resource management efforts.

Managed by the MNDNR EWR and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Leslie Helickson Detention plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates ensure efficient water discharge during peak flow periods, with a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam's regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies guarantee its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

With a drainage area of one square mile and a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, Leslie Helickson Detention is a critical infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor. Its location in Lanesboro, Minnesota, highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities against the impacts of climate change. As a key component in the region's flood risk reduction strategy, this earth dam serves as a model for integrated water resource management efforts in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

DUSCHEE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

132

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.