Belle Creek S-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Belle Creek S-3, located in Goodhue, Minnesota, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to regulate water flow along the Belle Creek-TR.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans a length of 650 feet, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Belle Creek S-3 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the MNDNR EWR, Belle Creek S-3 serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, such as irrigation and water supply. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has proven to effectively handle a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second. Its risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of this essential water management structure.

In the hands of Angie Craig (D) as the Congressional Representative, Belle Creek S-3 stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in water resource management. With its strategic location and design, this dam continues to support the environmental and agricultural needs of the community, highlighting the intersection of water infrastructure, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight in sustaining a sustainable water future.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

BELLE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

100

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

32
       
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.