Bowman Dam; David & Richard Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thornberg Dam; Carol Davis Fish Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bowman Dam; David & Richard is a private irrigation dam located in North Dakota along Boyce Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1982 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of irrigation, the dam serves to regulate water flow and provide essential water resources to the surrounding agricultural lands.
Maintained by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Bowman Dam is designed to withstand low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 85 feet and is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state regulatory agency. Despite its not rated condition assessment, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and irrigation in the region.
Located in Slope County, North Dakota, Bowman Dam; David & Richard is an essential infrastructure for water resource management in the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the details of this dam provide insight into the importance of efficient water storage and distribution for agricultural sustainability in the region. With its strategic location and design, Bowman Dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the efficient use of water resources for irrigation purposes.
Year Completed |
1982 |
Dam Height |
20.5 |
River Or Stream |
BOYCE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21.3 |
Drainage Area |
4.38 |
Nid Storage |
145 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Bowman Dam; David & Richard