Summary
Built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and maintaining a small fish pond. With a height of 9 feet and a length of 110 feet, Hanson Dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 20 acres.
Managed by the local government, Hanson Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. In the event of an emergency, Hanson Dam does not have outlet gates and relies on an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, management measures and emergency action plans are not readily available.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Hanson Dam can appreciate its historical significance as a WPA project and its role in providing essential services to the surrounding community. While the dam's hazard potential is low, ongoing assessments and preparedness for emergencies are areas that may require attention to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this vital infrastructure. As part of the Wild Rice River watershed, Hanson Dam contributes to the local ecosystem and water management efforts in North Dakota.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
110 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chahinkapa Park
|
||
Chahinkapa Park Campground
|
||
Kidder Rec Area
|
||
Welles Memorial Park Campground
|
||
Welles Memorial Park
|
Hanson Dam