Mcdowell Dam, located in Burleigh County, North Dakota, is a local government-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1976 for the primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam stands at a height of 51.2 feet and has a structural height of 58.8 feet, with a length of 1370 feet. It has a storage capacity of 1479.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 840 acre-feet, and covers a surface area of 59.5 acres.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Mcdowell Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. With a spillway width of 200 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a significant hazard potential and moderate risk level. The emergency action plan was last revised in October 2016, and overall, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Mcdowell Dam's vital role in providing recreational opportunities while being a critical component of water management in the region. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight ensure the safety of nearby communities and highlight the importance of sustainable dam operations in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
1370 |
Dam Height |
51.2 |
River Or Stream |
APPLE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
59.5 |
Drainage Area |
6.15 |
Nid Storage |
1479.6 |
Structural Height |
58.8 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
59 |
Apple Creek Nr Menoken
|
59cfs |
Hay Creek At Main Avenue In Bismarck
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
Long Lake Cr Below Long Lake Nr Moffit
|
95cfs |