Palunak Dam; William Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Palunak Dam, also known as William Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Billings County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1973 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. With a height of 26 feet and a length of 360 feet, it has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10.1 acres, drawing water from Magpie Creek.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Palunak Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 52 feet, and is classified as having a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the condition of the dam remains unrated, with no recent inspection data available.
With its strategic location and essential purposes, Palunak Dam stands as a vital structure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Its role in providing fire protection and supporting local agriculture underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this critical infrastructure for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
MAGPIE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.27 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Palunak Dam; William