Knife River Coal Pond 30 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Knife River Coal Pond 30 in Mercer, North Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam structure with a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply.
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Summary
Completed in 1988, the dam stands at a height of 69 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 818 acre-feet and a normal storage of 282.4 acre-feet. The dam spans a surface area of 21.5 acres and covers a drainage area of 4.42 square miles, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 50 feet.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Knife River Coal Pond 30 is subject to state regulation and inspection, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enforcement measures. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated. With a moderate risk assessment level, the structure is equipped with one slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for water release. Although lacking information on emergency action plans and inundation maps, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration for regulatory oversight and inspections.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Knife River Coal Pond 30 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam in North Dakota. With its unique purpose and design specifications, the dam offers insights into the management and regulation of non-traditional water infrastructure. As efforts to address climate change and water resource sustainability continue, understanding the intricacies of dam structures like Knife River Coal Pond 30 becomes essential for informed decision-making and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Height |
69 |
River Or Stream |
KNIFE-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21.5 |
Drainage Area |
4.42 |
Nid Storage |
818 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
69 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Knife River Coal Pond 30