Lybeck Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lybeck Lake, also known as Hawkinson Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Pope County, Minnesota.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

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.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

315

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CHIPPEWA RIVER W BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

660

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

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.