Lake Bronson
Key Takeaway
Lake Bronson is classified as high hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 36 ft (taller than 91% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 6.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 281 acres |
| Drainage Area | 540 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1986 |
| NID ID | MN00017 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
MNDNR-Parks
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Bronson?
Lake Bronson is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Bronson?
Lake Bronson is owned by MNDNR-Parks (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Bronson built?
Lake Bronson was completed in 1937, making it 89 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Lake Bronson?
Lake Bronson serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Bronson?
Lake Bronson has a dam height of 36 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Lake Bronson last inspected?
Lake Bronson was last inspected on June 13, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.