Smith Dam; Fred 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rath Wpa Wetland Nd No Name 122
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Smith Dam, also known as Fred 4 or Wetland 4, is a privately owned structure located in Burleigh, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1993 by the USFWS, this earth dam stands at a height of 7.3 feet and has a length of 517 feet. With a storage capacity of 96.5 acre-feet, it serves the primary purpose of flood control along the Apple Creek-TR river.
Despite its low hazard potential, Smith Dam is regulated and inspected by the NDSWC, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam features a controlled spillway and a vertical lift outlet gate, ensuring the safe management of water levels and potential discharge. The risk assessment for this structure is rated as very high, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness.
Overall, Smith Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in North Dakota, providing flood control and storage capabilities for the surrounding area. Its design and construction reflect a commitment to safety and sustainability, making it an essential component of the region's infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and monitor.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
517 |
Dam Height |
7.3 |
River Or Stream |
APPLE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Drainage Area |
1.19 |
Nid Storage |
96.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
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.
Smith Dam; Fred 4