Dead Colt Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Soldiers Home Dam Lisbon Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Dead Colt Creek Dam, located in Horace, North Dakota, was completed in 1984 by NDSWC and is owned by the local government.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 80 feet and a length of 1200 feet, this earth dam on Dead Colt Creek serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 8901.2 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway width of 650 feet and is regulated by the NDSWC, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Dead Colt Creek Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events. The dam's stone core and soil foundation contribute to its structural integrity, while its two slide gates provide essential outlet control. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam's last inspection in May 2018 ensures its continued functionality for flood risk reduction in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dead Colt Creek Dam stands as a vital infrastructure piece in the flood management system of Ransom County, North Dakota.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
80 |
River Or Stream |
DEAD COLT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
124 |
Drainage Area |
60 |
Nid Storage |
8901.2 |
Structural Height |
92 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
92 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
Maple River Nr Enderlin
|
25cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
James River At Lamoure
|
217cfs |
Sheyenne River Near Kindred
|
337cfs |
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.
Dead Colt Creek Dam