Square Butte Creek Dam 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bni Coal Pd 02-01 Sediment Pond 12-1
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Square Butte Creek Dam 4, also known as Square Butte #4, is a vital earth dam located in Oliver, North Dakota, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1974.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Hagel Creek, with a structural height of 49 feet and a length of 1396 feet. Its reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and a total storage of 6544.6 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 70 acres and draining a 28 square-mile watershed.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the NDSWC, Square Butte Creek Dam 4 is recognized as having a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk level. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam undergoes regular state inspections and is equipped with a single valve outlet gate. With its uncontrolled spillway and stone core foundation, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management strategies in the face of changing climate conditions.
As part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in North Dakota, Square Butte Creek Dam 4 highlights the collaborative efforts between federal agencies and local authorities in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. With its strategic location on Hagel Creek and its significant storage capacity, the dam stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to enhancing water resource resilience and climate adaptation in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, demonstrating the critical role of infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
1396 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
HAGEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70 |
Drainage Area |
28 |
Nid Storage |
6544.6 |
Structural Height |
49 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
49 |
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.
Square Butte Creek Dam 4