Wood Lake Marsh Dam, located in Benson County, North Dakota, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1938 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 14 feet. The dam has a length of 120 feet and a storage capacity of 342 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 6.5 square miles.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Wood Lake Marsh Dam underwent structural modifications in 2012 to ensure its continued functionality. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam poses a moderate risk, prompting regular inspections every 5 years. The last inspection in August 2015 confirmed its stable condition, serving as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and wildlife conservation in the region.
As a vital component of the local ecosystem, Wood Lake Marsh Dam serves as a critical water source for the surrounding area, providing essential habitat for wildlife and supporting ecological diversity. With its historical significance dating back over eight decades, this structure represents a harmonious balance between water resource management and environmental conservation efforts, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of climate change challenges.
Years Modified |
2012 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
Unnamed |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
6.5 |
Nid Storage |
342 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Sheyenne River Nr Warwick
|
75cfs |
James River Nr Grace City
|
46cfs |
Edmore Coulee Trib Nr Webster
|
50cfs |
Starkweather Coulee Nr Webster
|
99cfs |
Edmore Coulee Nr Edmore
|
38cfs |
Little Coulee Nr Leeds
|
0cfs |