Mcdowell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.