Nora Township Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schlecht-Thom Dam Jolin Dam; Warren
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nora Township Dam, also known as Wilson Dam 2, is a local government-owned structure located in LaMoure, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 400 feet, creating a small reservoir with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. The primary purposes of the dam are fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond along Wilson Creek.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Nora Township Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 35 feet, and has not been modified since 1949 when structural improvements were made. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively, with no outlet gates and no associated locks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nora Township Dam offers a glimpse into the history of water management in North Dakota and the importance of small local dams in providing essential services to rural communities. With its location along Wilson Creek and its proximity to the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this modest earth dam stands as a testament to the ingenuity of past generations in harnessing water resources for multiple uses while mitigating potential risks associated with dam failure.
Years Modified |
1949 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
WILSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.9 |
Drainage Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River At Lamoure
|
217cfs |
James River At Jamestown
|
205cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
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.
Nora Township Dam