Ponderosa Lake Dam, located in Milan, Washington, is a privately owned structure designed by Hahn Engineering. Completed in 1969, this earth dam on Beaver Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene setting for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating. With a hydraulic height of 68 feet and a structural height of 55 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 710 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 357 acre-feet covering a surface area of 75 acres.

Despite its recreational significance, Ponderosa Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in 2015. The dam is regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement procedures in place to ensure public safety. In the event of an emergency, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) may be activated, although details on its preparation and compliance with guidelines are currently unavailable.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and safety of dams like Ponderosa Lake Dam become increasingly crucial. With its location in a beautiful natural setting and its important role in providing recreational opportunities, ongoing monitoring and potential upgrades to address the dam's condition and hazard potential are essential to protect both the environment and the community that enjoys this picturesque water resource.