White Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: April 17, 2026

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White Lake Dam, located in North Dakota along the Cannonball River, was completed in 1938 and is owned and regulated by the Fish and Wildlife Service.


Summary

The primary purpose of this earth dam is to create a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a storage capacity of 760 acre-feet and a surface area of 188 acres. The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a spillway width of 100 feet, designed for uncontrolled overflow.

Despite its low hazard potential, White Lake Dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in September 2017. The dam has a moderate risk rating and is inspected every 5 years. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 37 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2110 cubic feet per second. The dam's location in Slope County, North Dakota, makes it an important resource for water management and wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

4545

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Cannonball River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

188

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

37

Nid Storage

760

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs