South Zumbro Br-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

South Zumbro Br-1, located in Olmsted County, Minnesota, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along Bear Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1991, this earth dam stands at a height of 75 feet and spans 1060 feet, providing storage of up to 2429 acre-feet of water. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it satisfactory, ensuring its effectiveness in managing stormwater runoff and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, South Zumbro Br-1 plays a vital role in safeguarding the city of Rochester from water-related disasters. With a drainage area of 13.1 square miles and a maximum discharge of 408 cubic feet per second, the dam's controlled spillway ensures controlled water release during peak flow periods. The structure's emergency action plan and risk management measures further enhance its resilience, making it a key asset in the region's water resource management strategy.

South Zumbro Br-1's strategic location, high storage capacity, and efficient design make it a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the St. Paul District. With a very high risk assessment rating and satisfactory condition, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management practices. As climate change continues to impact the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, structures like South Zumbro Br-1 will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the resilience and safety of communities in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

1060

Dam Height

61

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

118

Drainage Area

13.1

Nid Storage

2429

Structural Height

75

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

75
       
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.