Little Shell (Belcourt) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gordon Nd No Name 247
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Little Shell (Belcourt) is a federal-owned dam located in Rolette, North Dakota, with the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1930 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 10 feet and spans 500 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 7412 acre-feet, it is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam, situated on Ox Creek, poses a high hazard potential and is classified as a very high risk, requiring close monitoring and risk management measures. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Little Shell (Belcourt) is not available, highlighting the need for continued evaluation and potentially updating emergency action plans to meet guidelines and ensure public safety. With federal funding and oversight from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this dam serves as a vital resource for recreational activities in the surrounding area, while also presenting challenges in terms of its structural integrity and risk management.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
500 |
River Or Stream |
OX CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
7412 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Little Shell (Belcourt)