Acorn Ridge Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Acorn Ridge, also known as Nd Hwy 20 Dam, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Ramsey, North Dakota.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this dam was completed in 2012 and stands at a height of 37 feet, with a storage capacity of 7,173,400 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Devils Lake, and its primary purpose is flood risk reduction.

Constructed with a buttress core type, Acorn Ridge has a spillway width of 300 feet and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory as of April 2021. Inspected by various regulatory agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam's design involved collaboration between USACE, NDDOT, and FHWA. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by Acorn Ridge's role in managing the water levels of Devils Lake and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

DEVILS LAKE

Nid Storage

7173400

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.