Lake Margaret Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Margaret Dam, located in McLean, North Dakota, was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and is owned by the local government.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 605 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 75 acres for visitors to enjoy various water activities.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Lake Margaret Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, has a width of 25 feet, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While the dam is not currently rated for its condition, it remains a significant landmark in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in its historical significance and recreational opportunities.
For those interested in exploring the intersection of water resources and climate factors, Lake Margaret Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam engineering and management. With its picturesque setting on Turtle Creek and a rich history dating back to the Great Depression era, this earth dam serves as an important recreational site while also highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance, inspection, and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Lake Margaret Dam stands as a reminder of the need for sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
605 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
TURTLE CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
75 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Lake Margaret Dam