Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8
Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 is an earth dam located in Cass County, North Dakota, built in 1968. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8
The primary purpose of Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 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 Maple River Wrb (local government). It impounds the Buffalo Creek near N.
The dam stands 32 feet tall and stretches 1,275 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 86 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,936 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 38 square miles. Completed in 1968, 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 08/17/2021.
At 32 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | North Dakota |
| County | Cass |
| Nearest City | N |
| River/Stream | Buffalo Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.83059, -97.44293 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,275 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,936 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,936 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 411 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 86 acres |
| Drainage Area | 38 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Maple River WRB |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 08/17/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ND00049 |
| Federal ID | ND00049 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |