Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Spring Lake Dam, also known as Coyote Creek Dam 1, is a local government-owned structure located in Bowman, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the North Dakota State Water Commission, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 340 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, with a storage capacity of 258 acre-feet and a drainage area of 17.3 square miles along Spring Creek.
The dam is regulated and permitted by the North Dakota State Water Commission, and it underwent a structural modification in 1985. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3). With a spillway width of 84 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, Spring Lake Dam provides essential flood control and water storage functions for the surrounding area. While it is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam's last inspection in June 2018 ensures ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Overall, Spring Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in North Dakota. Its historical significance, combined with its recreational and flood control benefits, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring this essential structure to safeguard the community and ecosystem it serves.
Years Modified |
1985 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
17.3 |
Nid Storage |
258 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Spring Lake Dam