Baldhill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Schug Dam; Frank 1 Kehoe Dam; William
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Baldhill Dam, also known as Lake Ashtabula, is a federal-owned concrete dam located in Valley City, North Dakota, on the Sheyenne River.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction but also provides recreation and water supply benefits. With a maximum storage capacity of 156,000 acre-feet and a spillway width of 120 feet, the dam helps mitigate flood risks downstream by storing peak river flows during storm events. However, the dam does not completely eliminate flood risk, and large storms could fill the reservoir to capacity, potentially overtopping levees downstream.
The management of flood risks at Baldhill Dam involves close collaboration between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service to utilize real-time weather and streamflow forecast data. The Valley City Levees and related infrastructure have been raised and improved by the local community to increase the downstream river's capacity, improving overall flood risk management effectiveness. Additionally, the movement of landslides on the west hillside near the dam is continuously monitored, with countermeasures in place to mitigate potential risks. Despite the low risk assessment in 2014, future flood events could be more severe, necessitating ongoing risk management efforts to protect downstream communities like Valley City from catastrophic flooding.
In recent years, North Dakota has experienced intense spring storms and potential summer floods, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to minimize flood impacts. Residents of Valley City and surrounding areas must remain vigilant, as flood events could occur throughout the year, posing risks of life loss and significant property damage. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the management of flood risks at Baldhill Dam becomes increasingly crucial to safeguarding communities along the Sheyenne River.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
Dam Height |
47 |
River Or Stream |
SHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
5470 |
Hydraulic Height |
55 |
Drainage Area |
8078 |
Nid Storage |
156000 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Tainter (radial) - 3, Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sheyenne River Below Baldhill Dam
|
169cfs |
Baldhill Creek Nr Dazey
|
7cfs |
Maple River Nr Hope
|
0cfs |
Sheyenne River Nr Cooperstown
|
179cfs |
James River At Jamestown
|
205cfs |
Maple River Nr Enderlin
|
25cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Mel Rieman Rec Area
|
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Eggerts Landing
|
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Tourist Park - Valley City
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East Ashtabula Crossing
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West Ashtabula Crossing
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Baldhill Dam