Knife River Coal Pond 18 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Knife River Coal Pond 18, located in Bowman, North Dakota, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1971 by Knife River Coal.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is listed as 'Other', and it is regulated by the state with permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place.
The dam, situated along Buffalo Creek, has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of its condition assessment. Despite being categorized as having a moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone recent inspection or assessment updates. With a surface area of 3.7 acres and a drainage area of 0.21 square miles, Knife River Coal Pond 18 serves as a key structure in the area with a spillway width of 12 feet and uncontrolled spillway type.
While the dam may pose a moderate risk, its low hazard potential and state-regulated status indicate a certain level of safety and stability. The structure's purpose and design, as well as the oversight by state regulatory agencies, ensure that Knife River Coal Pond 18 continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Knife River Coal Pond 18