Mcknight Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

McKnight Lake, located in Chaska, Minnesota, is a local government-owned water resource that serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

The dam at McKnight Lake is an earth structure with a height of 8 feet, providing a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 31 acres. The lake is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR EWR) and is situated on Chaska East Creek within the St. Paul District.

Despite its low hazard potential, McKnight Lake's condition assessment in 2015 was reported as satisfactory, ensuring its structural integrity for flood risk mitigation. The lake has not undergone significant modifications in recent years and is inspected every 8 years to maintain its operational capacity. With a drainage area of 5.93 square miles, McKnight Lake plays a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff and reducing the impact of potential flooding in the surrounding Carver County region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the strategic design and regulatory oversight that contribute to McKnight Lake's overall effectiveness in protecting the local community from flood events.

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

CHASKA EAST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Drainage Area

5.93

Nid Storage

82

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.