Stone Man Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Stone Man Dam, located in Sioux County, North Dakota, is a local government-owned structure built in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, situated on Stone Man Creek, stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 640 feet, providing a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet for fire protection, stock, or small fish ponds. The dam's primary purpose is to serve as a reliable water source for various uses while also contributing to the local ecosystem.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Stone Man Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 1980. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet, ensuring efficient water release during high-flow events. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no documented emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared, highlighting areas for potential improvement in risk management and emergency response protocols.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and technical details of Stone Man Dam will find it to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century infrastructure designed to meet the water needs of the local community. With its earth core and stone foundation, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water storage and management, showcasing the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for long-term sustainability in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

STONE MAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

175

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.