Fountain Lake
Key Takeaway
Fountain Lake is classified as low hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 16.2% in MN) |
| Dam Length | 105 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 12.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 555 acres |
| Drainage Area | 93 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,140 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
| NID ID | MN00360 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Albert Lea
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Fountain Lake Cdf
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Low Hazard 10 ftBear Lake
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Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake is owned by City of Albert Lea (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fountain Lake built?
Fountain Lake was completed in 1911, making it 115 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake has a dam height of 8 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Fountain Lake last inspected?
Fountain Lake was last inspected on June 15, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.