Blacktail Dam, located on Blacktail Creek in Williams County, North Dakota, was completed in 1959 and is owned by the local government.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 57.3 feet and a length of 2250 feet, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 5317.8 acre-feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential and has undergone modifications in 1967 for hydraulic purposes and in 1969 for structural enhancements.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Blacktail Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 250 feet and outlet gates including a slide and valve. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition is not rated, and its emergency action plan status is unclear. The dam has a surface area of 158 acres and drains an area of 27.7 square miles.
Blacktail Dam, situated within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, is a vital water resource for the region and a popular recreational spot. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in North Dakota. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Blacktail Dam an intriguing subject for study and conservation advocacy.
Years Modified |
1967 - Hydraulic, 1969 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
2250 |
Dam Height |
57.3 |
River Or Stream |
BLACKTAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
158 |
Drainage Area |
27.7 |
Nid Storage |
5317.8 |
Structural Height |
63 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
63 |