Mcville Railroad Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Mcville Railroad Dam in North Dakota, completed in 1910, serves as a crucial water supply structure for the region.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the NDSWC, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a storage capacity of 701.2 acre-feet. The dam spans 600 feet across the Mcville Coulee, with a surface area of 33.4 acres and a drainage area of 13 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Mcville Railroad Dam has undergone multiple modifications over the years, including foundation and structural upgrades in 1960, followed by further structural enhancements in 1981. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is equipped with valve and vertical lift outlet gates for water release. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in May 2018 to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering complexity of the Mcville Railroad Dam. As a vital water supply infrastructure in the region, the dam's design and maintenance highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices. With its strategic location and critical role in water supply, the Mcville Railroad Dam serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to ensure water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

1960 - Foundation, 1960 - Structural, 1981 - Structural

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

MCVILLE COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.4

Drainage Area

13

Nid Storage

701.2

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1, Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.
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