Leland Dam; Ernest Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sather Dam Derudder Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Leland Dam; Ernest is a privately owned earth dam located in McKenzie, North Dakota, along the Sheep Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1963 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet. The dam stands at 30.6 feet high and has a spillway width of 100 feet, designed as uncontrolled.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Leland Dam; Ernest is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being categorized with a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level (3), prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a condition assessment of 'Not Rated,' the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps preparedness remain unclear.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the region may find Leland Dam; Ernest an intriguing case study for its historical significance, structural design, and operational considerations. As a key irrigation infrastructure in the area, the dam's role in water management and conservation efforts, along with its risk management strategies, offer valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in North Dakota.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Height |
30.6 |
River Or Stream |
SHEEP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.66 |
Nid Storage |
189 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Leland Dam; Ernest