Frederick Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Frederick Dam, located in North Dakota, was completed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 318 feet in length, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and maintaining a small fish pond. The dam holds a storage capacity of 90.5 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 18 acres, drawing water from Pipestem Creek-TR.

While the dam's hazard potential is rated as low, it is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), with state jurisdiction and enforcement in place. Despite being classified as not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam has not undergone inspection since January 1979. With a moderate risk level assigned, there is room for improvement in terms of risk management measures and emergency action planning. The location of the dam, owned by the local government, is in Stutsman County, North Dakota, under the oversight of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Frederick Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

318

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

PIPESTEM CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

90.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.