Esquagama Lake, located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, is a gravity dam constructed in 1937 with a primary purpose of "Other." The dam stands at a structural height of 12 feet, with a hydraulic height of 4.4 feet and a dam length of 125 feet. This dam serves a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage, with a normal storage capacity of 16,570 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 17,768 acre-feet.

The lake covers a surface area of 453 acres and has a drainage area of 159 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1,450 cubic feet per second. Esquagama Lake's spillway type is controlled, and it has a low hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of February 2018. While the risk assessment for the dam is categorized as "Very High (1)," it is important to note that the dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.

Esquagama Lake plays a vital role in the water resource management of the area, providing regulatory functions for the Embarrass River. With its historical significance as a Works Progress Administration project, the dam continues to serve its purpose in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water supply stability in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Esquagama Lake represents an essential infrastructure that contributes to the environmental sustainability and resilience of the surrounding ecosystem.