Velva Sportsman Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Velva Sportsman Dam, located in Velva, North Dakota, was completed in 1967 by USDA NRCS and serves as a recreational water resource on Spring Creek.
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Summary
This private dam has a height of 37 feet and a length of 400 feet, providing a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. With a surface area of 6.2 acres and a drainage area of 1.36 square miles, the dam contributes to the natural landscape while offering outdoor activities for enthusiasts.
Managed by the NDSWC, Velva Sportsman Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state of North Dakota. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk rating. Although the condition assessment is not rated, the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its safety and functionality for recreation and water resource purposes.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Velva Sportsman Dam provides a valuable recreational asset in Ward County, North Dakota. With its picturesque location and regulated operation, the dam offers a serene environment for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. As a well-maintained earth dam with stone core and soil foundation, Velva Sportsman Dam stands as a testament to responsible water management and conservation efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.36 |
Nid Storage |
145 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Souris River Nr Verendrye
|
18cfs |
Wintering River Nr Karlsruhe
|
48cfs |
Souris River Above Minot
|
5cfs |
Souris River Nr Foxholm
|
0cfs |
Des Lacs River At Foxholm
|
1cfs |
Deep River Nr Upham
|
1cfs |
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.
Velva Sportsman Dam