Swenson Fish Dam; Kent Reservoir Report
Nearby: Richard Dam; Byron Fugere-Molm Du Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Swenson Fish Dam in Kent, North Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the NDSWC.
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Summary
Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a length of 615 feet, serving purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, the dam sits on the SOUTH FORK BULL CREEK and has a spillway width of 80 feet.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is not currently rated for its condition. However, it has undergone structural modifications in 1970. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 11.8 acres and a drainage area of 3 square miles. Although it lacks outlet gates, the dam's primary purpose remains vital for the local community's water resource management and environmental conservation efforts. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Swenson Fish Dam presents an intriguing case study in sustainable dam infrastructure development.
Years Modified |
1970 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
615 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK BULL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.8 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Swenson Fish Dam; Kent