Siverton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Siverton Dam, also known as Seberson Dam or Sorrenson Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in McKenzie County, North Dakota.


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Summary

Completed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this earth dam on North Fork Creek serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene 17.5-acre surface area and a normal storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 280 feet, the dam has a significant hazard potential and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.

Despite its age, Siverton Dam has undergone modifications in 1949 to enhance its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, and it is currently not equipped with outlet gates. The last inspection in May 2015 reported the dam's condition as "not rated," indicating a need for further assessment. While the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified in the available data.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Siverton Dam's historical significance, design characteristics, and regulatory oversight in North Dakota will find this dam a compelling subject of study. As a key recreational feature in the area, its continued maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability in the region.

Years Modified

1949 - Structural

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.5

Drainage Area

23

Nid Storage

100

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.