Atwood Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Josephine Hanson Dam; Milo
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Atwood Dam, located in Kidder County, North Dakota, was completed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 540 feet, providing a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the LAKE JOSEPHINE-OS stream and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Atwood Dam plays a crucial role in local water resource management. Although the dam does not have outlet gates, it features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet. Despite not being rated for its current condition, the dam is state regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The presence of Atwood Dam highlights the importance of infrastructure for both water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
LAKE JOSEPHINE-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Atwood Dam