Charbonneau Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Charbonneau Dam, also known as Border Line Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Rolette, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a structural height of 16 feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 134 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 285 acre-feet. The dam is situated on McGillis Creek and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.

Despite its age, Charbonneau Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. It underwent structural modifications in 1971 and has one other controlled outlet gate. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 350 feet. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, it is regularly inspected and permitted by the state regulatory agency. With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, Charbonneau Dam continues to be a valuable water resource and climate asset in North Dakota.

Years Modified

1971 - Structural

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MCGILLIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

16.6

Nid Storage

285

Structural Height

16

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.