Hoot Lake, located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, is home to a historic gravity dam built in 1913 for hydroelectric purposes. The dam, also known as the Diversion Dam, serves multiple functions including fish and wildlife pond creation, recreation, and water supply. With a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 7.2 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2250 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a public utility, Hoot Lake Dam is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with oversight from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. In the event of an emergency, an Emergency Action Plan is in place, last revised in December 2020, to guide response efforts and protect the surrounding community.

With its picturesque location on the Ottertail River and a spillway width of 61 feet, Hoot Lake Dam offers a blend of natural beauty and engineering marvel. As a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, the dam continues to provide clean energy, recreational opportunities, and essential water resources for the community while maintaining a moderate risk assessment rating. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.