Lake Metigoshe Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Metigoshe, located in Bottineau, North Dakota, is a beautiful recreational spot overseen by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 1961, this earth dam stands at 6 feet high with a structural height of 9 feet, offering a storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, providing a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

With a surface area of 1,618.7 acres and a drainage area of 59 square miles, Lake Metigoshe is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet and vertical lift gates to manage water levels. Despite its low hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in May 2018.

Visitors to Lake Metigoshe can appreciate the scenic beauty of Oak Creek, which flows through the area, and the diverse wildlife that thrives in the surrounding ecosystem. The dam's earth construction and stone core reflect a blend of natural materials that harmonize with the landscape. As the local government maintains the dam's regulatory oversight, water resource enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the recreational opportunities that Lake Metigoshe has to offer in a safe and sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

76

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

OAK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1618.7

Drainage Area

59

Nid Storage

21500

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.