Rice Lake, located in Hennepin County, Minnesota, is a Rockfill dam built in 1967 for purposes beyond just water resource management. Owned by the local government and regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 2490 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 28.8 square miles. With a surface area of 314 acres, it plays a vital role in managing water levels and flow in the Elm Creek watershed.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Rice Lake undergoes regular inspections every 8 years to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 900 cubic feet per second, protecting downstream areas from potential flooding events. Managed by the local government, this dam serves as a crucial water management infrastructure in Maple Grove, Minnesota, providing multiple benefits to the community and surrounding ecosystem. With its important role in water resource management, Rice Lake stands as a testament to the careful planning and regulatory oversight that goes into safeguarding our water resources in the face of climate change challenges.