Sheyenne River Div. Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Sheyenne River Diversion Dam, located in West Fargo, North Dakota, is a concrete multi-arch dam completed in 1972 by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) for the primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
With a height of 20 feet and a length of 130 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 525 acre-feet, serving as a critical resource for the local community in Cass County.
Managed by the NDSWC, the Sheyenne River Diversion Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of North Dakota. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 32 feet and two Tainter radial gates for water release. While the dam is rated as having a significant hazard potential, its condition assessment is currently not rated, and its risk assessment is considered moderate.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and design of the Sheyenne River Diversion Dam, which plays a vital role in providing water supply for the region. As a key infrastructure managed by the NDSWC, the dam's construction, storage capacity, and risk management measures highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management in ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities in North Dakota.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
130 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
68 |
Nid Storage |
525 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Sheyenne River Div. Dam