George Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

George Lake is a gravity dam located in Martin County, Minnesota, specifically in the city of Granada.


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Summary

Built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this structure serves as a vital component for water resource management in the area. With a height of 10 feet and a length of 72 feet, the dam controls the flow of the Cedar River and provides a storage capacity of 5993 acre-feet.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), George Lake is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's primary purpose is listed as "Other," indicating its multifunctional role in water management. It has a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of May 2014.

The dam's storage capacity, surface area, and drainage area make it a crucial water resource for the surrounding region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1450 cubic feet per second, George Lake plays a key role in flood control and water supply management. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and ongoing importance of this gravity dam in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

72

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

CEDAR RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

76

Hydraulic Height

0.8

Drainage Area

45

Nid Storage

5993

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.