Cat Coulee Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schriock Fish Dam Fitterer Dam; Cory
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Cat Coulee Dam, located in Grant, North Dakota, was completed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and serves as a vital structure for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The earth dam, with a height of 21 feet and length of 300 feet, holds a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 115 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential, Cat Coulee Dam has undergone modifications in 1953 and 1955 to improve its hydraulic capabilities. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and does not have outlet gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a score of 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. While the condition assessment is not rated, the dam is regularly inspected, with the last inspection conducted in April 2016. Overall, Cat Coulee Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in North Dakota and is a key asset for the local government in ensuring water security and protection against potential hazards.
Years Modified |
1953 - Hydraulic, 1955 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
CAT COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
4.5 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Cat Coulee Dam