South Zumbro Sr-2

South Zumbro Sr-2 is an earth dam located in Olmsted County, Minnesota, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About South Zumbro Sr-2

The primary purpose of South Zumbro Sr-2 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by City Of Rochester (local government). It impounds the Silver Creek near Rochester.

The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 990 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 98 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,276 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/15/2024.

At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Minnesota dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMinnesota
CountyOlmsted
Nearest CityRochester
River/StreamSilver Creek
Coordinates44.04088, -92.36744

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height50 ft
Dam Height45 ft
Dam Length990 ft
Year Completed1992 (34 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,276 acre-ft
Max Storage3,276 acre-ft
Normal Storage721 acre-ft
Surface Area98 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge129 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerCity of Rochester
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/15/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMN00989
Federal IDMN00989
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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