Grafton Rr Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Grafton, North Dakota, the Grafton Rr Dam is a vital piece of infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by NDSWC & NPRR, this buttress dam stands at a height of 16.4 feet and has a structural height of 29 feet, serving primarily as a water supply source for the region. With a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet and a controlled spillway width of 80 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Park River.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Grafton Rr Dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment not being rated. The dam features slide and vertical lift outlet gates for water release and has not been modified in recent years. While the dam is not under the jurisdiction of any federal agency, it undergoes regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With its strategic location and importance for water supply in Walsh County, the Grafton Rr Dam remains a key asset for the community and a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

16.4

River Or Stream

PARK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Drainage Area

705

Nid Storage

166

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.