Mountain Lake, located in Cottonwood, Minnesota, is a state-regulated dam with a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment. Built in 1960 by the MNDNR, this buttress-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 1832 acre-feet. The dam serves purposes beyond flood control, with a normal storage capacity of 1145 acre-feet and a surface area of 230 acres.

Situated on the Blue Earth River-TR, Mountain Lake plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 9.9 square miles and a maximum discharge of 400 cubic feet per second. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and significant hazard potential, the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years and is inspected every four years to ensure its operational integrity.

Managed by the Minnesota state regulatory agency MNDNR EWR, Mountain Lake's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. With its location in a scenic landscape and vital role in water resource management, this dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable infrastructure development and risk mitigation strategies.