Lake Ossawinnamakee, also known as Pelican Brook, is a gravity dam located in Minnesota's Crow Wing County. Built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA-C), this dam serves as a crucial water resource for the region, with a normal storage capacity of 8,812 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 10,744 acre-feet. The dam has a structural height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 1.9 feet, creating a surface area of 662 acres and serving a drainage area of 47.2 square miles.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Ossawinnamakee's dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway, controlled by a width of 20 feet, helps manage water discharge, with a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its significant storage capacity and importance for the local ecosystem, the dam poses a very high risk due to its age and potential for failure, requiring vigilant risk management and monitoring to prevent any emergencies.

With its historical significance and vital role in managing water resources in the region, Lake Ossawinnamakee stands as a testament to the importance of dam infrastructure for climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, sustainable management of dams like Lake Ossawinnamakee will be crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving climate threats.