Located in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, the Sauk River dam stands as a testament to the region's commitment to water resource management and climate resilience. Completed in 1935, this concrete gravity dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a tranquil oasis for locals and visitors alike. With a height of 18 feet and a length of 92 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 25,800 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2,111 acres.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Division of Ecological and Water Resources, the Sauk River dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, but its condition assessment in 2017 was satisfactory. Despite the potential risks associated with its location, the Sauk River dam remains a vital component of the local landscape, offering both recreational opportunities and crucial water management functions in the face of a changing climate.

As climate change poses increasing challenges to water resources across the globe, the Sauk River dam serves as a symbol of proactive stewardship and adaptive management in the face of uncertainty. With its controlled spillway and very high risk assessment rating, the dam highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk management measures to safeguard both the environment and the community it serves. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, we can look to the Sauk River dam as a case study in resilience and responsible infrastructure development in the face of a changing climate landscape.