The anticipated drawdown of Lake Bronson began recently.
The DNR is preparing to replace the aging dam in Lake Bronson State Park. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2024 and be completed in July 2027.
Although the public is not in immediate danger, this is considered a high-hazard dam. It is over 85 years old and in poor condition, and plans to replace it have been in progress for over 10 years. Issues include an undersized spillway, seepage through the embankment and deterioration of the existing structure.
DNR will keep as much of the park open for outdoor recreation as possible during the project, while also prioritizing public health and safety and applying sound natural resource management strategies.
A partial drawdown of Lake Bronson was expected to begin the week of Sept. 16. On Oct. 9, a local resident sent The Times/Northern Watch pictures of what the lake looks like.
The partial drawdown, which was to reduce the lake level by four feet, is necessary to allow DNR engineers to inspect the Lake Bronson Dam and ensure it is functional in the event of increased fall precipitation. This inspection follows observations of the spillway gates during late summer that indicated temporary safety measures may be needed to ensure the ability to continue to operate the gates safely.
This partial drawdown will also serve as the first stage of a near total drawdown of Lake Bronson that is required as part of the dam replacement project.
Access to the lake will be prohibited during the partial and full drawdown, to ensure public safety and protect sensitive resources in the project area. While Lake Bronson State Park will remain open during the construction, some facilities and amenities within the park will be closed.
In a story reported in the Kittson County Enterprise on Oct. 9, Jason Boyle, state dam safety engineer, said “they had some gate issues with opening and closing the gates. There were some things that needed to be fixed, but knowing shortly these gates are going to be demolished, and the spillway is going to be demolished, it didn’t make any sense to try to fix those.”
Ames Construction was awarded the bid on the project. The project is estimated to be completed in 18-24 months after construction starts.
The lake will be closed to the public during construction, including the fishing piers and public water access.
There will be a near-total drawdown, leaving minimal water in the lakebed. After this occurs, the DNR expects to see a major reduction of fish in the lake.
Bag limits will not be increased prior to the drawdown.