Mount Carmel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Mount Carmel Dam, located in Cavalier, North Dakota, is a local government-owned structure built in 1971 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 46.5 feet and has a length of 650 feet, creating a storage capacity of 10,707 acre-feet on the Little South Pembina River. With a surface area of 386 acres and a drainage area of 72 square miles, the dam serves as a significant water resource in the region.

Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Mount Carmel Dam has a spillway width of 100 feet and is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Although its condition assessment is not rated, the dam underwent structural modifications in 2004. Equipped with one valve and one vertical lift outlet gate, the dam plays a vital role in water management and flood control in the area. Despite moderate risk assessment, the dam continues to provide essential water resources for the community and serves as a popular recreational destination.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mount Carmel Dam represents a key infrastructure project in North Dakota that combines water storage and recreational opportunities. With its earth dam construction and stone core, the dam showcases a blend of engineering and natural elements. Its location on the Little South Pembina River and close proximity to Walhalla make it a valuable asset for water management in the region. As a regulated and inspected structure, Mount Carmel Dam highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical water resources for both safety and sustainability.

Years Modified

2004 - Structural

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

46.5

River Or Stream

LITTLE SOUTH PEMBINA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

386

Drainage Area

72

Nid Storage

10707

Structural Height

46.5

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1, Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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.
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