Blickensderfer Dam; Paul Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ziegler Dam; John Mott City Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Blickensderfer Dam, located in Hettinger, North Dakota, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 22.5 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Mehrer Creek and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
With a spillway width of 67 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Blickensderfer Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. It is equipped with a single valve outlet gate for water release. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and emergency action plans and inundation maps are not currently in place. Despite these gaps in preparedness, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities in the area and serves as an important water resource within the community.
Overall, Blickensderfer Dam is a vital structure in St. Paul District, offering both recreational benefits and water storage capacity for the surrounding area. With its unique design and location on Mehrer Creek, the dam plays a significant role in water management and climate resilience efforts in North Dakota. As efforts to enhance risk management measures continue, this dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Height |
22.5 |
River Or Stream |
MEHRER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21.6 |
Drainage Area |
3.1 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Blickensderfer Dam; Paul