Pine Tree Valley Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pine Tree Valley Pond, located in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Mississippi River.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 300 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 229 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.82 square miles, the pond covers 3.5 acres and is equipped with a controlled spillway to manage excess water flow.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Pine Tree Valley Pond is deemed to have a very high risk level (1) due to its location and purpose. The dam has been inspected periodically, with the last assessment conducted in November 2017, and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Though no emergency action plan is currently prepared, the structure is well-maintained and monitored to ensure its effectiveness in flood control and water management. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pine Tree Valley Pond stands as a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure in mitigating natural disasters and preserving local ecosystems.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

MISSISSIPPI RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Drainage Area

0.82

Nid Storage

229

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

26
       
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.