Witty Dam; Merlyn 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Witty Dam; Merlyn 3, also known as Wetland #1, is a private earth dam located in Burke, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1992 by USFWS, this dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 7.6 feet and has a spillway width of 20 feet, making it a crucial structure for managing water resources in the area.

The primary purpose of Witty Dam is to provide a habitat for fish and wildlife, while also serving as a flood control measure for the West Branch Short Creek. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam plays a key role in mitigating potential risks associated with water management in the region. Despite its importance, the dam's condition assessment has not been rated, highlighting the need for regular inspection and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.

Managed by a private owner and regulated by the NDSWC, Witty Dam; Merlyn 3 is a vital component of the water infrastructure in North Dakota. With its strategic location and design, this dam not only supports wildlife conservation efforts but also contributes to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Height

7.6

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH SHORT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.8

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

90

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.