Minot Water Supply Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Minot Water Supply Dam, located on the Souris River in Ward County, North Dakota, was completed in 1966 by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC).


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Summary

The dam is primarily used for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 170 acre-feet. The dam is made of concrete and has a height of 16 feet and a length of 130 feet, with a controlled spillway width of 65 feet.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the Minot Water Supply Dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and the potential impact of a failure. The dam underwent structural modifications in 1979 and is inspected regularly by the NDSWC to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam is state-regulated and meets all state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements to maintain its operational status.

Managed by the local government in Minot, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding area. With its strategic location on the Souris River, the Minot Water Supply Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region, highlighting the importance of sound engineering and regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and reliability of water supply systems.

Years Modified

1979 - Structural

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

SOURIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Nid Storage

250

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.
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