Mott Watershed Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mott City Dam Ziegler Dam; John
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Mott Watershed Dam, located in Mott, North Dakota, was completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Cannonball-TR river system.
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Summary
With a height of 39 feet and a length of 2218 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 2811 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 57 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam has a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway type and is regulated by the NDSWC.
The primary purpose of the Mott Watershed Dam is to mitigate flood risks in the Hettinger County region, with a normal storage capacity of 337.7 acre-feet. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes regular inspections and is equipped with a spillway width of 100 feet. However, the dam lacks outlet gates and associated structures, posing challenges for effective water management during high-flow events. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.
In conclusion, the Mott Watershed Dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset in North Dakota, designed to protect local residents from the impacts of flooding along the Cannonball-TR river. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam has withstood the test of time since its completion over five decades ago. As climate change intensifies, the importance of maintaining and upgrading such structures becomes increasingly apparent to safeguard water resources and communities in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
2218 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
CANNONBALL-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
57 |
Drainage Area |
3.22 |
Nid Storage |
2811 |
Structural Height |
47 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
47 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Mott Watershed Dam