Gustafson Dam; Curtis Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Gustafson Dam, located in Curtis, North Dakota, is a private earth dam completed in 1966 with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 23.7 feet and has a storage capacity of 91.5 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 40.6 acre-feet. Situated on the South Branch Park River, the dam serves a drainage area of 2.46 square miles and covers a surface area of 6.2 acres.

With a spillway width of 60 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has been modified structurally in 1994 to enhance its functionality. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk rating, the dam is not currently rated for its condition. The North Dakota State Water Commission regulates and oversees the operations, inspections, and enforcement of the dam, ensuring its compliance with state permitting and regulatory requirements. Gustafson Dam is a vital water resource for the region, providing essential services for fire protection, livestock, and recreational fishing.

Years Modified

1994 - Structural

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

134

Dam Height

23.7

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH PARK RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.2

Drainage Area

2.46

Nid Storage

91.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.