Sheep Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Sheep Creek Dam, located in Grant County, North Dakota, was completed in 1969 and is owned by the local government.


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Summary

The dam, designed by NDSWC, has a primary purpose of recreation and is used for various recreational activities. It is an earth dam with a height of 57.7 feet and a length of 1050 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 1180 acre-feet and a surface area of 87 acres.

The dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Sheep Creek Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam has regular inspections and emergency action plans are in place. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled and has a width of 50 feet, with outlet gates including a valve and vertical lift.

Overall, Sheep Creek Dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community, providing opportunities for recreation while adhering to state regulations and safety measures. Its strategic location and design make it a valuable asset in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

57.7

River Or Stream

SHEEP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

87

Drainage Area

57.9

Nid Storage

2960

Structural Height

61

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1, Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

61
       
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.