Burlington Dam #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Burlington Dam #3, located in North Dakota along the Souris River, was completed in 1938 by the WPA and serves as a crucial irrigation structure in the region.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 16.5 feet and a total length of 88 feet. With a storage capacity of 252 acre-feet and a surface area of 94.8 acres, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources for agricultural purposes in the area.

Operated by the local government and regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Burlington Dam #3 has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is equipped with 16 vertical lift outlet gates for water release. Despite not having a current condition rating, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and continued functionality for irrigation purposes.

The dam, which is not owned or funded by any federal agency, is situated in Ward County, North Dakota, and is under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency. With a primary purpose of irrigation and a design that includes buttress and concrete elements, Burlington Dam #3 stands as a testament to the efforts of the WPA in providing essential water management infrastructure for the community.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

88

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SOURIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

94.8

Drainage Area

9480

Nid Storage

252

Structural Height

16.5

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.