Blickensderfer Dam, located in Hettinger, North Dakota, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation. 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.