Carlson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kraft Dam; Frank 1 Hoffman Dam; Ray 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Carlson Dam, located in Grant, North Dakota, was completed in 1937 by the FERA and is primarily owned and regulated by the local government.
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Summary
This earth dam, standing at a height of 20 feet, was designed for recreational purposes, specifically along the Cannonball River. With a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway measuring 60 feet wide.
Although Carlson Dam has not been recently inspected or rated for its condition, it is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam does not feature outlet gates or associated structures, and its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unclear. With a history of serving as a recreational hub and contributing to the local watershed's drainage area of 8 square miles, the dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century infrastructure development in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Carlson Dam to be an intriguing case study in dam construction and management practices.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
CANNONBALL RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
104 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Carlson Dam