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High Risk Dams in North Dakota

North Dakota has 12 high hazard dams with a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory. These are dams where failure would probably cause loss of human life and where recognized safety deficiencies have been identified.

Of the 54 high hazard dams in North Dakota, 12 (22%) have concerning condition ratings — 12 rated poor and 0 rated unsatisfactory.

Condition scale, best to worst
  1. Satisfactory No existing or potential safety deficiencies recognized; acceptable performance expected under all loading conditions.
  2. Fair No deficiencies under normal operating conditions; a rare flood or earthquake could create one.
  3. Poor A safety deficiency is recognized under normal operating conditions; remedial action is necessary.
  4. Unsatisfactory Worst rating. The dam is considered unsafe; a deficiency requires immediate or emergency remedial action.

"Not rated" means no assessment is on file in the National Inventory of Dams.

DamCountyHeight (ft)ConditionLast inspectedPurposeYear
Senator Young DamCavalier96Poor11/03/20223 yrs agoFlood Risk Reduction1961
Matejcek DamWalsh76Poor11/02/20223 yrs agoFlood Risk Reduction1966
Olson DamPembina74Poor11/03/20223 yrs agoFlood Risk Reduction1957
Bylin DamWalsh60Poor08/31/20215 yrs agoFlood Risk Reduction1964
Fordville DamGrand Forks54Poor08/31/20215 yrs agoFlood Risk Reduction1978
Clausen Springs DamBarnes52Poor10/10/20223 yrs agoRecreation1967
Mcgregor DamWilliams45Poor10/17/20223 yrs agoRecreation1967
Tioga DamWilliams39Poor06/27/20197 yrs agoRecreation1963
Queen City DamStark34Poor05/24/20188 yrs agoIrrigation1900
Prairie No. 1Sioux23Poor08/03/20206 yrs agoRecreation1966
Beach DamGolden Valley17Poor09/15/20206 yrs agoRecreation1932
Belcourt LakeRolette13Poor08/26/20206 yrs agoRecreation1930

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