Wolf Butte Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wolf Butte Dam, located in Adams, North Dakota, is a local government-owned structure built in 1936 by the WPA.
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Summary
The dam, situated on Wolf Butte Creek, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 451 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 33 acres. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and functionality.
Constructed as an earth dam with a height of 24 feet, Wolf Butte Dam is supported by a stone core and rests on a soil foundation. It features an uncontrolled spillway type and has no outlet gates or associated locks. The dam's drainage area is 12.8 square miles, and it has a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam is considered to meet guidelines for emergency action preparedness, although specific dates for assessments and revisions are not provided in the data.
Wolf Butte Dam, managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, plays a vital role in the local water resource management and provides opportunities for recreational activities in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find interest in the dam's historical significance, design features, and regulatory framework, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in mitigating risks and enhancing environmental resilience.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
WOLF BUTTE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
33 |
Drainage Area |
12.8 |
Nid Storage |
451 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
Wolf Butte Dam