Sunset Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunset Lake, located in Burnsville, Minnesota, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1983 for flood risk reduction along the Minnesota River.


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Summary

This dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 820 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it has a high hazard potential, although it has been assessed as satisfactory in condition.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Sunset Lake is equipped with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a moderate risk assessment rating. With a drainage area of 5 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, Sunset Lake plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sunset Lake serves as a significant infrastructure asset in the St. Paul District, providing essential flood protection along the Minnesota River. Its location in Dakota County, Minnesota, and its design by OSM ENG highlight the collaborative efforts involved in managing water resources and addressing potential hazards. This dam's history, design features, and risk management measures make it an important site for studying the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

820

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

MINNESOTA RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

200

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.