Bear Creek Site 13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Creek Site 13, also known as Vickerman Detention, is a private-owned earth dam located in Houston County, Minnesota.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2003, this structure serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Bear Creek-TR stream. With a dam height of 36 feet and a length of 420 feet, it has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres.

Managed by the MNDNR EWR, Bear Creek Site 13 has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in May 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 59 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment indicates moderate risk, with a DSAC assignment pending, the structure has not undergone recent modifications and remains operational with no outlet gates or associated structures.

Located in the St. Paul District of the USACE, Bear Creek Site 13 offers a glimpse into the intricate network of water resource management in the region. With its focus on flood risk reduction and adherence to state regulations and inspections, this site stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events and climate fluctuations.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.