Ardoch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Ardoch Dam, located in North Dakota along the Forest River, was completed in 1938 by the Fish and Wildlife Service for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

With a structural height of 15 feet and a length of 2500 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 13,630 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 3,939 acre-feet. The dam has undergone several modifications over the years, including hydraulic upgrades in 1972, 1993, 1998, 2001, and a structural upgrade in 2010.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Fish and Wildlife Service, which also handles its construction, inspections, and operations. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with outlet gates for water release. The dam's location in a scenic area with a surface area of 996 acres makes it an important water resource for the surrounding wildlife and ecosystem, highlighting the significance of its maintenance and upkeep for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Years Modified

1972 - Hydraulic, 1993 - Hydraulic, 1998 - Hydraulic, 2001 - Hydraulic, 2010 - Structural

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

FOREST RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

996

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

793

Nid Storage

13630

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.