Cherry Lake Wda-3 Dike 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Cherry Lake Wda-3 Dike 3, located in McLean, North Dakota, is a Federal-owned earth dam that was completed in 1994.


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Summary

This structure, designed by USBOR, stands at a height of 6.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is designated as 'Other', with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

The dam is located on Turtle Creek and falls under the regulation of the North Dakota State Water Commission. It is equipped with a vertical lift outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam's risk management measures are in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The surrounding area covers a surface area of 70 acres and is under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Cherry Lake Wda-3 Dike 3 serves as an essential infrastructure for water resource management in the region, providing flood control and water storage capabilities. With its strategic location and design features, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and mitigating potential risks associated with extreme weather events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Cherry Lake Wda-3 Dike 3 to be a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in action.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

TURTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

70

Nid Storage

300

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.