Crystal Lake Wpa 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Lake Dam 2 Faul-Mathison Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Crystal Lake Wpa 1 is a federal-owned fish and wildlife pond located in Wells, North Dakota.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1990, is of earth type with a height of 8 feet and a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the pond is for fish and wildlife conservation, with a normal storage of 30 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Crystal Lake Wpa 1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 40 feet, and an outlet gate of vertical lift type. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and emergency preparedness measures such as an EAP are not in place.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Crystal Lake Wpa 1 an interesting case study for its design and construction details, as well as its role in supporting local fish and wildlife populations. With its location in the James River watershed and its relatively small drainage area of 2.47 square miles, the pond serves as both a habitat for wildlife and a source of recreational enjoyment for the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
JAMES-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Drainage Area |
2.47 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Crystal Lake Wpa 1