Brownlee Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Brownlee Dam, also known as Maple River Dam, is a masonry structure located in Cass County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Completed in 1934, this dam serves a primary purpose of recreation along the Maple River. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 128 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 412 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 276 acre-feet.
Managed by local government authorities, Brownlee Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its age, Brownlee Dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the surrounding community, offering a picturesque site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Situated in a scenic location with a moderate risk assessment rating, Brownlee Dam is a historically significant structure designed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. With its uncontrolled spillway and buttress core type, the dam stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. While lacking outlet gates, the dam remains a key feature along the Maple River, contributing to the local landscape and serving as a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
128 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
MAPLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Drainage Area |
474.8 |
Nid Storage |
412 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Brownlee Dam