East Branch Short Creek Res Nr Columbus Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

East Branch Short Creek Reservoir is a man-made lake located near Columbus, ND in North Dakota.


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Summary

The reservoir was constructed in the 1960s to provide irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands. The lake is fed by snowmelt and surface water runoff from the surrounding hills and has a capacity of 2,200 acre-feet. The reservoir also serves as a recreational area, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The lake has been known to provide habitat for a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The surrounding agricultural lands are primarily used for farming, including crops such as wheat, soybeans, and corn. The reservoir is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and is an important part of the local water management system.

Reservoir Details

Gage Height, Ft 24hr Change 0.0%
Percent of Normal 102%
Minimum 24.08 ft
2021-02-11
Maximum 31.04 ft
2011-04-11
Average 27 ft
Dam_Height 38
Drainage_Area 164
Year_Completed 1962
Nid_Storage 2765
Foundations Soil
Surface_Area 112
Outlet_Gates Valve - 1
River_Or_Stream EAST BRANCH SHORT CREEK
Dam_Length 1018
Hazard_Potential Significant
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 38
       
Seasonal Comparison
Gage Height, Ft Levels

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.