Rush Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Golden Lake Dam North Golden Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rush Lake Dam, also known as the Golden Lake Complex, is a local government-owned structure located in Steele, North Dakota.
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Summary
Completed in 1957, it serves primarily for recreation purposes and is situated along Beaver Creek. The dam is an earth-type structure with a height of 8.8 feet and a storage capacity of 695 acre-feet, encompassing a surface area of 278 acres within a drainage area of 193 acres.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Rush Lake Dam has a controlled spillway type with a width of 10 feet and one vertical lift outlet gate. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, the dam poses a significant risk due to its age and high-risk management classification. While it has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its integrity and safety, with the last inspection taking place in April 2016. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rush Lake Dam offers a unique opportunity to study a vital piece of infrastructure in North Dakota's water management system.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Height |
8.8 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
278 |
Drainage Area |
193 |
Nid Storage |
695 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Rush Lake Dam