Matejcek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Matejcek Dam, also known as Mid.S.Br.Forest R #1, is a local government-owned structure located in Fordville, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 76 feet and has a length of 1175 feet along the Middle Branch Forest River. Designed primarily for flood risk reduction, Matejcek Dam has a storage capacity of 9000 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2746.8 acre-feet and a surface area of 134.8 acres.

Despite its critical role in flood control, Matejcek Dam poses a high hazard potential with a condition assessment rated as poor. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 375 feet and a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. The State of North Dakota regulates, inspects, and enforces safety measures for the dam, demonstrating a commitment to its maintenance and operation. However, the last inspection in July 2016 raised concerns about its deteriorating condition.

With its moderate risk assessment rating, Matejcek Dam requires ongoing risk management measures to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is vital to monitor the dam's condition and support efforts to maintain and upgrade it to mitigate potential risks and protect surrounding communities from flooding events.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1175

Dam Height

76

River Or Stream

MIDDLE BRANCH FOREST RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

134.8

Drainage Area

155

Nid Storage

9000

Structural Height

76

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

76
       
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.