Rice Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rice Lake Dam, located in Burleigh County, North Dakota, was completed in 1961 and is primarily used for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Designed by Norman Rolfson, this earth dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a length of 85 feet, with a storage capacity of 3200 acre-feet of water. The dam is situated on the Apple Creek-TR river and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Rice Lake Dam is considered a relatively safe structure. While its condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated," the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agency, NDSWC. The spillway type for this dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 16 feet. Despite not having outlet gates, the dam serves as an important resource for water management and recreation in the area.
Overall, Rice Lake Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management and recreational activities in North Dakota. As a local government-owned structure, it provides storage for 1750 acre-feet of water and covers a drainage area of 28.5 square miles. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a significant role in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the surrounding community while also contributing to the overall climate resilience of the region.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
85 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
APPLE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
28.5 |
Nid Storage |
3200 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Long Lake Cr Below Long Lake Nr Moffit
|
95cfs |
Apple Creek Nr Menoken
|
59cfs |
Hay Creek At Main Avenue In Bismarck
|
3cfs |
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
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.
Rice Lake Dam