Bagley Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bagley Dam, located in Bowman, North Dakota, was completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS and is privately owned.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 33 feet tall and spans 198 feet in length, with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, the dam serves the Little Missouri River drainage area of 2.89 square miles. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam has a spillway width of 87 feet and a hazard potential rated as low.
The dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and undergoes state inspections and enforcement. While the condition of Bagley Dam is currently not rated, it poses a moderate risk according to risk assessments. The dam has not been modified over the years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. With its stone core and soil foundation, Bagley Dam plays a crucial role in fire protection and water resource management in the area, making it a significant structure for both local communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
198 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE MISSOURI-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
2.89 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bagley Dam