Rose Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rose Lake, also known as Mill Pond, is a gravity dam located in Dalton, Minnesota, along the Pomme de Terre River.


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Summary

Constructed in 1919, this dam serves primarily for purposes other than flood control or hydropower generation. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 200 feet, Rose Lake has a storage capacity of 207 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 108 acres.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Rose Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in August 2017. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently undetermined, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and the environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Rose Lake as a historic and essential infrastructure that contributes to the management of water resources in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Its location along the Pomme de Terre River and its purpose as a local government-owned structure underscore its significance in the region's water management efforts. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Rose Lake become crucial in ensuring the resilience and safety of communities and ecosystems downstream.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

POMME DE TERRE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

108

Drainage Area

76.1

Nid Storage

207

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.