Olson Dam; Steven Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Olson Dam, also known as Oscar Olson Dam, is a private dam located in Barnes, North Dakota, along the Sheyenne River.
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Summary
Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 268 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam has a low hazard potential and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being a private structure, Olson Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 28.2 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.2 acres, the dam contributes to flood control and water supply management for the surrounding region. Additionally, the dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 64 feet helps regulate water flow and prevent overtopping during high water events, further enhancing its effectiveness as a water resource management facility.
Overall, Olson Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for both water resource management and recreational activities along the Sheyenne River in North Dakota. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of responsible maintenance and regulation, this earth dam continues to play a significant role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the local water supply and surrounding ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
268 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
SHEYENNE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.2 |
Drainage Area |
4.2 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sheyenne River Below Baldhill Dam
|
169cfs |
Maple River Nr Enderlin
|
25cfs |
Baldhill Creek Nr Dazey
|
7cfs |
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
James River At Jamestown
|
205cfs |
Maple River Nr Hope
|
0cfs |
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.
Olson Dam; Steven