Thorson Group West
Key Takeaway
Thorson Group West is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 29 ft (taller than 80.4% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 275 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 636 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00344 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
MNDNR-Forestry
State Government
Nearby Dams
Thorson Group North
Houston, MN
Significant Hazard 28 ftFeldmeier Detention
Houston, MN
Low Hazard 26 ftSchech Mill
Houston, MN
Low Hazard 8 ftFrauenkron Detention
Houston, MN
Low Hazard 33 ftZerbe Pond
Winona, MN
Low Hazard 29 ftFann Detention
Fillmore, MN
Low Hazard 30 ftOian Dahl Detention
Fillmore, MN
Low Hazard 26 ftLedebuhr
Houston, MN
Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Thorson Group West?
Thorson Group West is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Thorson Group West?
Thorson Group West is owned by MNDNR-Forestry (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Thorson Group West built?
Thorson Group West was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Thorson Group West?
Thorson Group West 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 Thorson Group West?
Thorson Group West has a dam height of 29 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 Thorson Group West last inspected?
Thorson Group West was last inspected on April 26, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.