Lawson-Fisher Associates provided design and construction services for the Lake George Dam in Hobart, Indiana after it experienced extensive damage to the earthen embankment portions during an overtopping event that occurred during the September 2008 flood.
The improvements to the dam included removal of all trees and other vegetation, reconstruction of the upstream and downstream embankment slopes, installation of articulated concrete block overtopping protection, repair of deteriorated concrete in the spillway retaining walls and concrete piers supporting the pedestrian bridge over the spillway, and the extension of the spillway and drawdown structure walls to accommodate the new embankment slopes. LFA provided construction observation and administration services with specific reporting and pay application processes in accordance with grant funding requirements. Challenges experienced during construction included addressing seepage from a previously unknown clay tile as well as significant wet weather events that threatened to overwhelm the cofferdam.