Geneva Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Geneva Lake, located in Freeborn County, Minnesota, is a man-made reservoir on Turtle Creek with a gravity dam completed in 1953.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 10 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, creating a storage capacity of 12,220 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 6,580 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 1,944 acres and has a drainage area of 25 square miles.

Managed by the local government, Geneva Lake is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam has a spillway width of 6 feet and a low hazard potential, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013. Despite moderate risk assessment, the lake serves as a recreational spot and plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts would be intrigued by Geneva Lake's role in flood control, water supply, and recreational activities in the area. With its historical significance as a Works Progress Administration project, the lake continues to provide valuable services to the community while maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental sustainability. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding and managing reservoirs like Geneva Lake become increasingly important for ensuring resilience and adaptation to future challenges.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

27

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TURTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

1944

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

12220

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.