North Bay Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
North Bay Dam, located in North Dakota along the Wild Rice River, was completed in 1965 and is owned and regulated by the Federal agency Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, the dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 475 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 18,518 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,073 acres, providing essential habitat for aquatic life in the region.
Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, North Bay Dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection date in August 2019. The dam has undergone modifications in 1989 to improve both its hydraulic and structural components. With a drainage area of 543.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 6,971 cubic feet per second, North Bay Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing flood protection in the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, North Bay Dam is equipped with other controlled outlet gates and has a spillway width of 35 feet. The dam is inspected every five years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With its crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and managing water resources, North Bay Dam stands as a key structure in the region for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Years Modified |
1989 - Hydraulic, 1989 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
WILD RICE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1073 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
543.2 |
Nid Storage |
18518 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
Antelope Creek At Dwight
|
25cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
Little Minnesota River Near Peever
|
27cfs |
Bois De Sioux River Near Doran
|
54cfs |
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.
North Bay Dam