Lawrence Lake

About Lawrence Lake

The primary purpose of Lawrence Lake is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Lake Lawrence Rehab Dist (local government). It impounds the Lawrence Creek near Lawrence.

The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 221 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,350 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 29 square miles. Completed in 1845, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/26/2017.

At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.

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