Belle Creek R-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Belle Creek R-5, located in Goodhue County, Minnesota, is a key infrastructure project designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Belle Creek river.


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Summary

Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and stretches 625 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet and a normal storage of 133 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2017.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Belle Creek R-5 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its operational integrity. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and an outlet gate also uncontrolled, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 665 cfs and covers a drainage area of 2.72 square miles. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and meets state guidelines for emergency action plans, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding community in White Rock.

With Angie Craig serving as the representative for the area, Belle Creek R-5 plays a vital role in protecting the local environment and residents from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to stay informed about the condition and management of such structures to support sustainable water management practices and ensure the resilience of our communities in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

625

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

BELLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

2.72

Nid Storage

500

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.