Kelly's Slough Lower Pool 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Kelly's Slough Lower Pool 1 Dam in North Dakota is a federally-owned structure designed by Ducks Unlimited and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

The earth dam, completed in 1937, stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches for 1090 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 2820 acre-feet. Situated in the Kellys Slough Drainage system, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam's primary purpose and specific uses are not specified, but its association with the Fish and Wildlife Service highlights its importance in supporting local wildlife habitats and conservation efforts. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation mapping, risk assessment, and management measures are currently not available, indicating potential areas for further study and improvement.

Overall, Kelly's Slough Lower Pool 1 Dam serves as a significant water resource management structure in Grand Forks, North Dakota, contributing to flood control, water storage, and ecological preservation in the region. Its history, design, and regulatory oversight by the Fish and Wildlife Service showcase the importance of sustainable infrastructure in balancing environmental and human needs in the face of climate change and water resource challenges.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

1090

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Kellys Slough Drainage

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

359.5

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

2820

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.