Senator Young Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Olga Dam Bourbanis Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Senator Young Dam, also known as Tongue River WS Dam M-3, is a vital earth dam located in Cavalier, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1961 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Tongue River. Standing at a height of 84.5 feet and a length of 1529 feet, it has a storage capacity of 5971 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 38.5 acres, with a drainage area of 53.8 square miles.
Despite its crucial role in managing water resources, Senator Young Dam is facing challenges with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of April 2021. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type with a width of 300 feet, helps regulate water flow during peak discharge events. However, with only one slide gate for outlet control, there are concerns about the dam's ability to withstand extreme conditions. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of NDSWC and undergoes regular inspections, although it has not been modified in recent years.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the status of Senator Young Dam, the need for risk management measures becomes apparent. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a call for improving the dam's condition to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. As efforts continue to maintain and enhance this critical infrastructure, stakeholders are reminded of the importance of investing in the resilience of water resources for the future.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1529 |
Dam Height |
84.5 |
River Or Stream |
TONGUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38.5 |
Drainage Area |
53.8 |
Nid Storage |
5971 |
Structural Height |
95.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
96 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little South Pembina River Nr Walhalla
|
5cfs |
Pembina River At Walhalla
|
138cfs |
Tongue River At Akra
|
53cfs |
Pembina River At Neche
|
188cfs |
Park River At Grafton
|
26cfs |
Forest River Nr Fordville
|
32cfs |
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.
Senator Young Dam