Beaver Creek Dam (Bc-20) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Beaver Creek Dam (Bc-20) in North Dakota is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by Moore Engineering in 1988 for flood risk reduction along Beaver Creek.


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Summary

This local government-owned earth dam stands at a height of 75 feet with a length of 1476 feet, providing a storage capacity of 6300 acre-feet to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Beaver Creek Dam (Bc-20) is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 600 feet to manage excess water flow during high water events. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital resource for the community to mitigate the impact of potential flooding along Beaver Creek. While the dam's condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," regular inspections and maintenance ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the area from flood-related risks. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for controlled water release.

Overall, Beaver Creek Dam (Bc-20) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Steele, North Dakota area from flood risks, with a focus on public safety and infrastructure resilience. As a key component of the local flood management system, the dam's construction, design, and regulatory oversight ensure its ability to effectively manage water levels and protect the community from potential inundation events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the importance of Beaver Creek Dam (Bc-20) in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

1476

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

116.6

Nid Storage

6300

Structural Height

75

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

75
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.