Des Lacs #5 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Des Lacs #5 Dam, located on the Des Lacs River in Ward County, North Dakota, is a vital water resource managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Summary
Completed in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 1483 feet, providing a storage capacity of 942 acre-feet for fish and wildlife habitats. The dam's low hazard potential and fair condition assessment make it a reliable structure for flood control and water management in the region.
Maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Des Lacs #5 Dam has undergone multiple modifications over the years to enhance its hydraulic and mechanical systems. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 105 feet and outlet gates for controlled water release. Despite its very high risk assessment rating, the dam's operational and regulatory oversight by the Fish and Wildlife Service ensures that it continues to serve its primary purpose as a fish and wildlife pond while safeguarding the surrounding environment.
With a drainage area of 618 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2742 cubic feet per second, Des Lacs #5 Dam plays a crucial role in water conservation and ecological preservation along the Des Lacs River. Its strategic location and design make it a key infrastructure for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Years Modified |
1988 - Hydraulic, 1988 - Mechanical, 1991 - Hydraulic, 1991 - Mechanical, 2009 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
1483 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
DES LACS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
618 |
Nid Storage |
942 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Des Lacs #5 Dam