Sperry Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sperry Dam, located in North Dakota along the Missouri River, was completed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and serves as a vital resource for fire protection, livestock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 25 feet and a length of 340 feet, has a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 27 acres. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and efficacy.
With a spillway width of 30 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, Sperry Dam has not been modified since its completion and lacks outlet gates. The dam is situated in Sheridan County, North Dakota, under the jurisdiction of the state and local government. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level (3) and meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The surrounding area is at a low risk of inundation, and emergency action plans (EAP) are not currently in place.
Overall, Sperry Dam stands as a testament to historical engineering and water resource management, providing essential services to the local community while adhering to state regulations and safety standards. As climate change and water resource management become increasingly important topics, initiatives to improve dam safety and emergency preparedness will likely play a key role in ensuring the continued functionality and resilience of structures like Sperry Dam in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
MISSOURI RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
27 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
162 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Sperry Dam