Dawson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hille Dam; Doug Nygren Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dawson Dam, located in Morton, North Dakota, is a crucial water management structure designed by USDA NRCS in 1962 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet with a structural height of 25 feet and a length of 650 feet. It has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.9 acres, serving the Little Heart River-TR.
Managed by the NDSWC and regulated by the state of North Dakota, Dawson Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being currently rated, the dam's inspection, enforcement, and permitting mechanisms are in place, ensuring its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 75 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, Dawson Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE HEART RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.9 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Heart River At Stark Bridge Nr Judson
|
61cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
Big Muddy Creek Near Almont
|
10cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Cannonball River At Breien
|
96cfs |
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.
Dawson Dam