Bear Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bear Lake, located in Freeborn County, Minnesota, is a state-owned reservoir primarily used for flood risk reduction along Lime Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1941, this gravity dam stands at 7 feet tall and stretches 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 5,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 1149 acres. The dam's purpose is solely for flood risk reduction, with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bear Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its primary purpose for flood control, the reservoir also offers recreational opportunities and supports wildlife habitats in the surrounding area. With its strategic location and effective management, Bear Lake serves as a vital water resource for both flood protection and environmental conservation in the region.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

LIME CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1149

Hydraulic Height

5

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

5500

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.