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