Tewaukon Ws-T-7 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Tewaukon Ws-T-7, also known as Nelson, is a dam located in Sargent County, North Dakota, along the Wild Rice River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 40.6 feet and has a structural height of 50 feet, with a length of 650 feet. The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area.
Owned by the local government, Tewaukon Ws-T-7 is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a storage capacity of 411.1 acre-feet and a normal storage of 24.9 acre-feet, this dam plays a significant role in flood control and water management in the region. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity.
With a spillway width of 125 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Tewaukon Ws-T-7 is equipped with one other controlled outlet gate. Although the dam is not rated for its condition, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the role of dams like Tewaukon Ws-T-7 becomes increasingly crucial in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the area.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
40.6 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.9 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
411.1 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Little Minnesota River Near Peever
|
27cfs |
Antelope Creek At Dwight
|
25cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Tewaukon Ws-T-7