Hutchinson Dam; John C 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hutchinson Dam, also known as John C 3, is a private earth dam located in Dunn County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1993, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 8.7 feet and a length of 212 feet, it has a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.3 acres.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Hutchinson Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a spillway width of 50 feet and is classified as having low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. Although the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it meets guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures.
Located along Deep Creek, Hutchinson Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and conservation efforts in the region. It provides essential water storage for various purposes and contributes to the overall ecosystem health and sustainability of the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hutchinson Dam serves as a fascinating example of how man-made structures can positively impact the environment while also requiring careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure their long-term functionality and safety.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
212 |
Dam Height |
8.7 |
River Or Stream |
DEEP CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.67 |
Nid Storage |
51 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Knife River At Manning
|
2cfs |
Knife River Nr Golden Valley
|
27cfs |
Heart River Nr South Heart
|
6cfs |
Green River Nr New Hradec
|
1cfs |
Heart River Nr Richardton
|
17cfs |
Spring Creek At Zap
|
5cfs |
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.
Hutchinson Dam; John C 3