Rose Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Rose Lake Dam, located in Nelson, North Dakota, was completed in 1937 by the USFWS and serves as a crucial water resource for the Stump Lake-Os river system.


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Summary

This Federal-owned dam primarily functions as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 350 acre-feet. Despite its modest dam height of 8 feet, the dam is state-regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, however, its risk assessment is considered high. While the dam is not equipped with a spillway, outlets, or locks, it is monitored for its condition, which is currently assessed as "Not Rated." Although no emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps are on record, the dam is inspected periodically to mitigate potential risks. The dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness are currently under review, indicating a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of Rose Lake Dam for both wildlife conservation and water resource management in the region.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rose Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a relatively small-scale, yet vital, earth dam that plays a significant role in supporting the local ecosystem. With a focus on fish and wildlife preservation, the dam stands as an important structure within the Omaha District of the USACE, highlighting the intersection of environmental conservation and infrastructure development in North Dakota. As efforts continue to assess and manage the dam's risks and regulatory compliance, Rose Lake Dam underscores the importance of maintaining and safeguarding water resources for future generations in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

STUMP LAKE-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

480

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.