Halverson Dam; Vernon Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Halverson Dam in Vernon, North Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam, located on the Little Goose River, serves primarily for recreational purposes with a storage capacity of 63.5 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the NDSWC and undergoes state inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 160 feet and is built with a stone core and soil foundation. Despite not having outlet gates, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. While the dam does not have associated locks, it is situated in a picturesque location in Grand Forks County, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water recreation for enthusiasts. With its relatively low hazard potential and a focus on recreation, Halverson Dam remains an important water resource in the area.
Overall, Halverson Dam stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of human engineering and natural beauty, offering both recreational opportunities and flood protection benefits for the local community. As a privately owned structure, the dam plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents while adhering to state regulations and safety standards. With its strategic location on the Little Goose River, Halverson Dam contributes to the water resource management efforts in North Dakota, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE GOOSE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
63.5 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Halverson Dam; Vernon