Kersten Dam; Gertrude Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Kersten Dam, also known as Gertrude or Laporte Coulee Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Bottineau, North Dakota, with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1993 by Wold Engineering, P.C., this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and stretches 200 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 293 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Laporte Coulee, is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, ensuring proper permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols are followed.
With a spillway width of 200 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Kersten Dam poses a low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its condition being labeled as "Not Rated," the dam is regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in September 2015. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully detailed, but the structure's overall risk is considered moderate. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering behind this recreational dam, which serves as a vital water management tool in North Dakota's landscape.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
LAPORTE COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21.7 |
Drainage Area |
78 |
Nid Storage |
293 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Deep River Nr Upham
|
1cfs |
Willow Creek Nr Willow City
|
10cfs |
Souris River Nr Westhope
|
28cfs |
Souris River Nr Bantry
|
73cfs |
Souris River Nr Foxholm
|
0cfs |
Souris River Nr Verendrye
|
18cfs |
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.
Kersten Dam; Gertrude