St. Olaf Lake, located in Waseca, Minnesota, is a man-made reservoir on the Le Sueur River. Built in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this dam stands at 7 feet tall and serves various purposes, including flood control and water storage. With a normal storage capacity of 1245 acre-feet and a surface area of 90 acres, St. Olaf Lake plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Owned and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR), St. Olaf Lake has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in December 2015. The dam has a hydraulic height of 1.3 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 245 cubic feet per second, ensuring it can effectively handle excess water flow during heavy rainfall events. Despite its humble size, the dam at St. Olaf Lake is an integral part of the local water infrastructure, providing essential services to the community while preserving the natural ecosystem of the region.

With its historical significance, functional design, and effective regulation, St. Olaf Lake serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like the dam at St. Olaf Lake play a vital role in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and ensuring the long-term resilience of the surrounding environment. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, understanding and appreciating the value of sites like St. Olaf Lake is essential in protecting our water resources for future generations.