Lake Emily Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Emily in Kasota, Minnesota, is a state-owned water resource regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

This concrete dam, completed in 1939, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 315 acres and a normal storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 8.5 feet and has a hazard potential rated as low, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2015.

Located on Shanaska Creek, Lake Emily provides a serene environment for water and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. With a drainage area of 1.7 square miles, the lake has a maximum storage capacity of 3000 acre-feet, making it an important water resource in Le Sueur County. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

For those interested in water management and conservation, Lake Emily offers a captivating example of how human-made structures can be utilized for both recreational and environmental purposes. With its historical significance as a Works Progress Administration project, this dam continues to play a vital role in the local ecosystem while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

SHANASKA CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

315

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

3000

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.