Swede Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schlecht-Wiexel Dam Schlecht-Thom Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Swede Dam, located in LaMoure, North Dakota, was completed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 13 feet and a length of 250 feet, providing a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 31 acres. It is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and has a low hazard potential rating.
Despite its age, Swede Dam has been deemed to have a moderate risk level (3) and has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date. The dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and has not been rated for its condition, but inspection, enforcement, and permitting activities are carried out by the state regulatory agency. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and no outlet gates, highlighting its simple structure and design. Overall, Swede Dam stands as a vital water resource for the local government, providing essential services while maintaining a relatively low hazard potential.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
DRY COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31 |
Drainage Area |
7 |
Nid Storage |
189 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River At Lamoure
|
217cfs |
James River At Jamestown
|
205cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
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.
Swede Dam