Knife River Coal Pond 52 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Knife River Coal Pond 52, located in Mercer, North Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1990 with a primary purpose of "Other." The dam stands at a height of 37.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70.4 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Knife River Coal Pond 52 poses a manageable risk to the surrounding area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and a single outlet valve. Although the condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," the dam has not caused any significant concerns or safety issues to date.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Knife River Coal Pond 52 an intriguing case study, with its unique design characteristics and regulatory oversight. As part of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's jurisdiction, this earth dam serves as a vital structure for water storage and management in the Brush Creek-TR watershed. Its location in North Dakota adds to the diversity of water infrastructure projects in the region, offering valuable insights into the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and regulatory compliance.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Height |
37.6 |
River Or Stream |
BRUSH CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.79 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek At Zap
|
5cfs |
Knife River At Hazen
|
48cfs |
Knife River Nr Golden Valley
|
27cfs |
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
Big Muddy Creek Near Almont
|
10cfs |
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 52