Mcdowell Dam is an earth dam located in Burleigh County, North Dakota, built in 1976. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About Mcdowell Dam

The primary purpose of Mcdowell Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Burleigh County Wrb (local government). It impounds the Apple Creek-tr near N.

The dam stands 59 feet tall and stretches 1,370 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 59 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,479 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1976, the structure is 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 10/13/2022.

At 59 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
Significant HazardNot Rated ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNorth Dakota
CountyBurleigh
Nearest CityN
River/StreamApple Creek-tr
Coordinates46.82509, -100.63319

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height59 ft
Dam Height51 ft
Dam Length1,370 ft
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,479 acre-ft
Max Storage1,479 acre-ft
Normal Storage840 acre-ft
Surface Area59 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerBurleigh County WRB
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentNot Rated
Last Inspection10/13/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDND00039
Federal IDND00039
More InfoState Dam Safety Program