Summary
This earth dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond along the Souris River-TR, with a height of 7 feet and a length of 150 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 87.5 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 31.3 acre-feet and a surface area of 17.4 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Benson Dam; Richard Jr is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Dakota State Water Commission. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to recognize the importance of maintaining and managing such structures for the safety and sustainability of surrounding ecosystems and communities.
With its strategic location and purposeful design, Benson Dam; Richard Jr stands as a vital component in the management of water resources and the preservation of wildlife habitats in North Dakota. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and advocate for the proper maintenance of such structures, the significance of Benson Dam; Richard Jr in promoting biodiversity and environmental resilience cannot be understated.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
SOURIS RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
87.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 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.
Benson Dam; Richard Jr