Lybeck Lake, also known as Hawkinson Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Pope County, Minnesota. Built in 1957 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 315 feet, Lybeck Lake has a storage capacity of 660 acre-feet and a surface area of 90 acres, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lybeck Lake is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and protect the surrounding community and environment.

Located on the Chippewa River West Branch in the city of Cyrus, Lybeck Lake plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. As a key infrastructure for water storage and flood control, this dam serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between water resources and climate, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and maintenance to ensure the long-term viability of our water infrastructure.