Knife River Coal Pond 03 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Knife River Coal Pond 03, located in Mercer, North Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1990 with a primary purpose designated as 'Other'.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 62.8 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 2.74 square miles. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level with a condition assessment of 'Not Rated'.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet and no outlet gates. It has not been inspected recently, and emergency action plans are not currently in place. However, the State of North Dakota regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring compliance with safety measures. With its unique design and significance in the local landscape, Knife River Coal Pond 03 serves as a reminder of the intersection between human activities, water resources, and climate considerations in the region.
Overall, Knife River Coal Pond 03 represents a crucial aspect of water resource management in North Dakota, highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure to prevent potential risks. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the complexities of such structures can shed light on the broader challenges faced in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our water systems in the face of environmental changes and human activities.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
KNIFE-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.8 |
Drainage Area |
2.74 |
Nid Storage |
62.8 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
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 03