Nordell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Nordell Dam, located in Williams County, North Dakota, was completed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for irrigation purposes on the Garden Coulee.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 40.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 183 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 104 acre-feet. The dam, with a length of 242 feet and spillway width of 85 feet, is regulated by the NDSWC and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a hazard potential rated as significant and a moderate risk assessment, Nordell Dam is essential for managing water resources in the region. The dam's condition has not been rated, but it is monitored for safety and emergency preparedness. Despite being a privately owned structure, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area and mitigating potential flood risks. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate resilience can appreciate the engineering and regulatory aspects of Nordell Dam in safeguarding water supplies for the community.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

242

Dam Height

40.3

River Or Stream

GARDEN COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

7.19

Nid Storage

183

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.