Cuba Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cuba Dam, located in Barnes, North Dakota, is a locally owned Earth dam designed by the CCC and completed in 1935 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 11 feet and with a length of 300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is uncontrolled, and the hazard potential is rated as low. The dam is situated on the Maple River and is under the regulatory jurisdiction of NDSWC.
Despite being built almost a century ago, Cuba Dam remains in a moderate risk condition with a risk assessment rating of 3. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1974, and its condition is currently not rated. While the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agency, indicating a commitment to ensuring its safety and functionality. With its picturesque surroundings and recreational opportunities, Cuba Dam continues to be a valuable water resource for the community.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Cuba Dam for its historical significance, recreational offerings, and the balance it strikes between risk management and regulatory oversight. Its design and construction by the CCC, along with its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, showcase a successful example of sustainable water infrastructure. As a locally owned dam in North Dakota, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging water structures to ensure the safety and well-being of communities and the environment.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
MAPLE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River Nr Enderlin
|
25cfs |
Sheyenne River Below Baldhill Dam
|
162cfs |
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
Rush River At Amenia
|
5cfs |
Baldhill Creek Nr Dazey
|
7cfs |
Maple River Nr Mapleton
|
32cfs |
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.
Cuba Dam