George Lake

Cedar River· Martin, Minnesota· Built 1939· Gravity· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

George Lake is classified as significant hazard in Minnesota. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 30.9% in MN)
Dam Length72 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage6.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.9K acre-ft
Surface Area76 acres
Drainage Area45 sq mi
Max Discharge1,450 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
Year Modified1983
NID IDMN00102

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MNDNR EWR

Ownership

City of Fairmont

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of George Lake?

George Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates George Lake?

George Lake is owned by City of Fairmont (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was George Lake built?

George Lake was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 George Lake?

George 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 George Lake?

George Lake has a dam height of 10 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 George Lake last inspected?

George Lake was last inspected on June 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.