Doll Dam; Gary Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mosbrucker Lake Nagel Dam; Fred E.
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Doll Dam in Gary, North Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1937 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet. Situated on Sweetbriar Creek-TR, the dam has a surface area of 20 acres and drains a 2.35 square mile watershed.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Doll Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet. In 1991, the dam underwent structural modifications. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is inspected, permitted, and regulated by the state, with emergency action plans potentially in place.
Doll Dam serves as a critical water resource infrastructure in Oliver County, offering essential services while posing low risk to the surrounding community. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam's history, design, and operational details provide valuable insights into the intersection of human engineering and natural water systems.
Years Modified |
1991 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
SWEETBRIAR CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
2.35 |
Nid Storage |
249 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Doll Dam; Gary