Minto Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ardoch Dam Vigness Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Minto Dam, located in North Dakota along the Forest River, was completed in 1938 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and serves as a crucial water supply structure for the city of Minto.
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Summary
This masonry dam stands at a height of 13.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 65 acre-feet. With a surface area of 35 acres and a drainage area of 544 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Although Minto Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, it has undergone structural modifications in 1956 and 1973. The spillway of the dam, which is uncontrolled and has a width of 64 feet, helps to manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall events. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, and it is under the jurisdiction of the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) for regulatory oversight.
Overall, Minto Dam is a key infrastructure for water supply in the region, providing essential resources for the community of Minto. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance and inspection, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in North Dakota.
Years Modified |
1956 - Structural, 1973 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
80 |
Dam Height |
13.8 |
River Or Stream |
FOREST RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
35 |
Drainage Area |
544 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Structural Height |
13.8 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Forest River At Minto
|
44cfs |
Park River At Grafton
|
26cfs |
Forest River Nr Fordville
|
32cfs |
Red River Of The North At Drayton
|
1650cfs |
Middle River At Argyle
|
10cfs |
Turtle River At Turtle R State Park Nr Arvilla
|
18cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Minto Dam