Elm River Detention Dam 1
Elm River Detention Dam 1 is an earth dam located in Steele County, North Dakota, built in 1964. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Elm River Detention Dam 1
The primary purpose of Elm River Detention Dam 1 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Traill County Wrb (local government). It impounds the Middle Branch Elm River near Galesburg.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 4,035 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 141 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,187 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 41 square miles. Completed in 1964, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/19/2021.
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Location
| State | North Dakota |
| County | Steele |
| Nearest City | Galesburg |
| River/Stream | Middle Branch Elm River |
| Coordinates | 47.30978, -97.46470 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,035 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,187 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,187 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 447 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 141 acres |
| Drainage Area | 41 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Traill County WRB |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 08/19/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ND00041 |
| Federal ID | ND00041 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |