Big Pine Lake, located in Otter Tail, Minnesota, is a gravity dam completed in 1937 with a primary purpose of serving as a water resource. The dam has a structural height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 3.8 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 77,120 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 91,580 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 4,644 acres and has a drainage area of 560 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3,420 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Big Pine Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding community. The last inspection in August 2017 confirmed its structural integrity, and the emergency action plan is in place to respond to any unforeseen events. Overall, Big Pine Lake serves as a vital water resource for the region, contributing to flood control, water supply, and recreational activities along the Otter Tail River.