Black Dog Lake, located in Burnsville, Minnesota, is a gravity dam constructed in 1953 with a primary purpose of water resource management. Owned by a public utility, this dam on the Minnesota River-Tr River has a height of 20 feet and a length of 120 feet, creating a storage capacity of 3,550 acre-feet and a surface area of 530 acres. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and preventing flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Black Dog Lake is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's structure, with a buttress core type and unlisted/unknown foundation, has a normal storage capacity of 1,618 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 6,250 cubic feet per second. Despite not being rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam's last inspection was conducted in January 2012, with a scheduled frequency of every 8 years, highlighting the commitment to monitoring and maintaining this essential water resource infrastructure.

With Angie Craig as the Congressional representative for the area, Black Dog Lake serves as a vital component of the water management system in Dakota County, Minnesota. As climate change impacts water resources, the proper regulation and maintenance of dams like Black Dog Lake are crucial for ensuring water security and mitigating flood risks in the region. This gravity dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between public utilities, state agencies, and local communities in safeguarding water resources for current and future generations.