Sweetbriar Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Sweetbriar Creek Dam, located in Morton, North Dakota, stands as a pivotal structure for water resource management in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth dam spans 1200 feet in length and reaches a height of 54.7 feet, with a structural height of 64.7 feet. It serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a storage capacity of 10,400 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 3,640 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 315 acres and draining a watershed area of 154 square miles.

Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Sweetbriar Creek Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and integrity. With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam underwent structural modifications in 2010 to enhance its resilience. The dam is equipped with outlet gates for water release, and despite its high risk assessment, it continues to play a crucial role in water regulation and flood control in the area.

The dam's location along Sweetbriar Creek not only provides recreational opportunities for locals and visitors but also serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply and ecological conservation. With a high risk classification and a history of state regulation and inspection, Sweetbriar Creek Dam represents a key component in the sustainable management of water resources in North Dakota, demonstrating the intersection of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in the face of climate challenges.

Years Modified

2010 - Structural

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

54.7

River Or Stream

SWEETBRIAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

315

Drainage Area

154

Nid Storage

10400

Structural Height

64.7

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1, Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

65
       
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.