Lake Bronson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Bronson, located in Kittson County, Minnesota, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure with a primary purpose of mitigating potential flooding in the region.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1937, this gravity dam stands at a height of 36 feet and spans a length of 2000 feet, containing a storage capacity of 6000 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation.

Despite its crucial role in flood risk management, Lake Bronson is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a high hazard potential due to its age and maintenance issues. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2017, highlighting the need for updated risk assessment and management measures to address the very high risk associated with the structure. With a drainage area of 540 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4900 cubic feet per second, the dam's controlled spillway and vertical lift outlet gates are essential for managing water levels and protecting downstream areas.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Lake Bronson to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to safeguard communities from the impacts of flooding. As efforts continue to assess and address the dam's condition and risk potential, the importance of proactive maintenance and modernization measures becomes increasingly evident to ensure the long-term resilience and effectiveness of this critical flood control structure in Minnesota.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TWO RIVERS SOUTH BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

281

Drainage Area

540

Nid Storage

6000

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.