Square Butte Creek Dam 5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nd No Name 079 Sediment Pond 16-1
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Square Butte Creek Dam 5, also known as Schwalbe Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Oliver County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 65 feet and has a structural height of 71 feet, with a length of 1770 feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events along Square Butte Creek.
With a storage capacity of 5800 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 494.7 acre-feet, Square Butte Creek Dam 5 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 300 feet to safely release excess water during high flow periods. Despite being assessed as in fair condition, the dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
Overall, Square Butte Creek Dam 5 is a key infrastructure for water resource management and flood protection in Oliver County, North Dakota. With its strategic location along Square Butte Creek and the dedication of the NDSWC in regulating and inspecting the dam, this structure serves as a critical asset for the community in mitigating flood risks and safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation events.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
1770 |
Dam Height |
65 |
River Or Stream |
SQUARE BUTTE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
62.4 |
Drainage Area |
30.4 |
Nid Storage |
5800 |
Structural Height |
71 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
71 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16600cfs |
Heart River At Stark Bridge Nr Judson
|
61cfs |
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.
Square Butte Creek Dam 5
Oliver County