Crooked Creek R-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crooked Creek R-4 is a gravity dam located in Freeburg, Minnesota, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this structure stands at 54 feet in height and spans 616 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Crooked Creek R-4 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flooding in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, and while it has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to inspection every four years to assess its structural integrity. The surrounding community can rest assured that this dam is equipped to handle potential emergencies and maintain its flood risk reduction capabilities.

Overall, Crooked Creek R-4 stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in Houston County, Minnesota, providing essential flood protection and water resource management for the local area. As a part of the St. Paul District, this gravity dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

616

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

54

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

54
       
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.