Welk Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Welk Dam, located on Little Beaver Creek in Emmons, North Dakota, was completed in 1938 and is primarily used for recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam, with a height of 26 feet and a length of 550 feet, has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 28 acres. It is classified as an earth dam with a stone core and soil foundation, and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 42 feet.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Welk Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam has not been officially rated for its condition assessment, but it undergoes regular inspections by the state agency. Despite the lack of outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan status and adherence to guidelines remain unclear. With its historical significance as a WPA-designed structure, Welk Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities while promoting water resource conservation and climate awareness in the region.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Drainage Area |
8.5 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Beaver Creek Bl Linton
|
39cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cannonball River At Breien
|
96cfs |
Long Lake Cr Below Long Lake Nr Moffit
|
95cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
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.
Welk Dam