English Coulee Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Earl Dam; Douglas Anderson Dam; Iver
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
English Coulee Dam, located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, was completed in 1990 by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the English Coulee river.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 36,960 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 29,200 acre-feet to mitigate potential flooding in the area. With a spillway width of 200 feet and a high hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the NDSWC and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, English Coulee Dam presents a moderate risk level of 3, according to the data. The dam features a stone core and soil foundation, with one slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for water management. The dam is state-regulated for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, underlining the importance of its role in managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding communities. In case of emergencies, the dam is equipped with an emergency action plan, although details on its preparedness and adherence to guidelines are not specified in the available information.
Overall, English Coulee Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, supported by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS. With a focus on public safety and water resource management, the dam plays a vital role in safeguarding against potential inundation and ensuring the resilience of the surrounding areas in facing climate-related challenges. As a significant structure in the Omaha District, English Coulee Dam exemplifies the intersection of engineering, environmental conservation, and climate resilience for water resource enthusiasts to appreciate and study.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
36960 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
ENGLISH COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
183 |
Drainage Area |
53.5 |
Nid Storage |
29200 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
English Coulee Dam