Simonson Detention

Zumbro River-TR· Olmsted, Minnesota· Built 1967· Earth· 27 ft tall
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Simonson Detention is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 77.1% in MN)
Dam Length408 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage49 acre-ft
Normal Storage1 acre-ft
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge700 cfs
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDMN00434

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

Merry, Steve

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Simonson Detention?

Simonson Detention is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Simonson Detention?

Simonson Detention is owned by Merry, Steve (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Simonson Detention built?

Simonson Detention was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Simonson Detention?

Simonson Detention 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 Simonson Detention?

Simonson Detention has a dam height of 27 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 Simonson Detention last inspected?

Simonson Detention was last inspected on July 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.