Nygren Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dawson Dam Hille Dam; Doug
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nygren Dam, also known as Helge, is a local government-owned structure located in Morton, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1967 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands 37 feet tall and spans 250 feet across the Heart River. The dam primarily serves as a recreational area, offering a surface area of 33.1 acres and a normal storage capacity of 92.3 acre-feet.
Managed by NDSWC, Nygren Dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not feature any outlet gates. With a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet, the dam is able to control the flow of water in the Heart River, although it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet.
Although Nygren Dam is not under federal jurisdiction, it is regulated and permitted by the state of North Dakota. With regular inspections and enforcement in place, this dam provides both recreational opportunities and water resource management for the local community, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure in the face of shifting climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
HEART RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
33.1 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
193 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Nygren Dam