Scophammer Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Scophammer Dam 1, also known as Plain Dam, is a crucial water resource structure located in Renville County, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a structural height of 26 feet, with a length of 300 feet. Its primary purpose includes fire protection, stock, or serving as a small fish pond, making it an essential asset for the local government.

This dam, situated on Mackobee Coulee, is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and is designed to provide a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 60 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Scophammer Dam 1 has undergone structural modifications in 1968 and 1975 to ensure its continued functionality and safety. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam remains a key feature in the region's water resource management system.

Even though the dam lacks certain features such as outlet gates and controlled spillways, it plays a vital role in water management for the area. With a history of federal funding and construction oversight, Scophammer Dam 1 stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in mitigating risks and providing essential services to the community. Its location, design, and purpose make it a valuable resource for fire protection, stock maintenance, and ecological conservation efforts in the region.

Years Modified

1968 - Structural, 1975 - Structural

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MACKOBEE COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.5

Drainage Area

6.4

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.