Ehlis Brothers Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Ehlis Brothers Dam, located in Hettinger, North Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, with a spillway width of 25 feet and a hazard potential rated as low.
The dam, situated on the Cannonball-TR river, falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with no federal agency ownership or funding. Despite not having outlet gates, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a condition assessment of "not rated." While the structure has not been inspected recently, it is state-regulated and permitted, demonstrating a commitment to safety and environmental protection in this area of North Dakota.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ehlis Brothers Dam represents a unique example of a privately owned, state-regulated recreational structure that serves both practical and leisure purposes. With its modest size and low hazard potential, this earth dam showcases the collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and design professionals in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
CANNONBALL-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1.25 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Ehlis Brothers Dam