Maka Pool Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Maka Pool Dam, located in Sargent, North Dakota, is a federal-owned structure managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this Earth-type dam stands at 12 feet high and spans a length of 710 feet along the Wild Rice River. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing essential habitat for aquatic life in the region.

With a normal storage capacity of 638 acre-feet and a drainage area of 472.7 square miles, Maka Pool Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and maintaining ecological balance in the area. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvement to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.

The dam has undergone modifications in 1966 to enhance its hydraulic, mechanical, and structural components. However, the risk assessment for Maka Pool Dam remains very high, highlighting the importance of implementing effective risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor the condition of dams like Maka Pool to protect our valuable water resources and mitigate potential risks associated with aging infrastructure.

Years Modified

1966 - Hydraulic, 1966 - Mechanical, 1966 - Structural

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

710

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

WILD RICE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

143

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

472.7

Nid Storage

1111

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.