Ely Lake, located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, is a picturesque reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam, completed in 1939, is a gravity structure with a height of 6 feet and a length of 34 feet. The lake has a normal storage capacity of 55,620 acre-feet and a surface area of 780 acres, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ely Lake is regulated and monitored for safety, with inspections conducted every 8 years. The hazard potential of the dam is considered low, and its condition is assessed as satisfactory. Despite its relatively low risk, the lake's drainage area and maximum discharge rate of 925 cubic feet per second contribute to a very high risk assessment ranking.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ely Lake offers not only a beautiful recreational spot but also a fascinating case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its controlled spillway and history dating back to the Works Progress Administration-Civilian (WPA-C), Ely Lake provides a valuable example of how human intervention in natural water systems can create opportunities for enjoyment while also requiring careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety and sustainability in the face of changing environmental conditions.