Golden Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rush Lake Dam North Golden Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Golden Lake Dam, located in Steele, North Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1957 by NDSWC, this dam stands at a height of 21.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 5000 acre-feet. Situated on Beaver Creek, this dam offers a surface area of 330 acres for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
With a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating, Golden Lake Dam remains a crucial structure for water resource management in the region. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected by the NDSWC to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam does not have a spillway and is not associated with any locks, indicating a straightforward design focused on its primary purpose of recreation.
Golden Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource and recreational asset for the community, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. With its stone core and soil foundation, this earth dam continues to provide valuable storage and recreational opportunities while being closely monitored by state regulatory agencies. Situated in a serene location, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Height |
21.1 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
330 |
Nid Storage |
5000 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Golden Lake Dam