Fordville Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Fordville Dam, also known as Mid.S.Br.Forest R.#4, is a local government-owned structure located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1978 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 54.1 feet and spans 1875 feet along the South Branch Forest River. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 10,703.4 acre-feet and a surface area of 197.1 acres. The dam is regulated by the NDSWC and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its age, Fordville Dam has faced challenges with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, prompting a risk assessment rating of moderate. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 400 feet and a single slide outlet gate for water management. The last inspection in August 2017 revealed the need for improvements, with a condition assessment update in April 2021 highlighting ongoing concerns. With its location in a high-risk area, the dam's risk management measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor Fordville Dam, its risk management measures and maintenance efforts will be key areas of focus. With the potential for significant flooding and the dam's poor condition, ongoing assessments and improvements are essential to mitigate risks and protect the watershed. Collaboration between local government agencies, the NDSWC, and the USDA NRCS will be crucial in addressing the dam's challenges and ensuring the continued safety and effectiveness of this vital flood risk reduction infrastructure.
Years Modified |
1984 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
1875 |
Dam Height |
54.1 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH BRANCH FOREST RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
197.1 |
Drainage Area |
41.5 |
Nid Storage |
10703.4 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
54 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Fordville Dam