Crystal Lake Dam 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Lake Wpa 1 Faul-Mathison Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Crystal Lake Dam 2, located in Wells, North Dakota, is a federal-owned structure managed by the U.S.
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Summary
Fish and Wildlife Service. This earth dam, standing at 8 feet high and spanning 300 feet in length, serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond along the James River. With a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Crystal Lake Dam 2 boasts a controlled spillway type with a width of 4 feet, ensuring efficient water discharge during high flow events. The dam has a fair condition assessment as of July 2020, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the risk assessment categorizes this dam as very high (1), highlighting the importance of robust risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With a history of state regulation and inspection, Crystal Lake Dam 2 remains a vital component of the regional water infrastructure. Its association with the Fish and Wildlife Service underscores its role in supporting environmental conservation efforts while also serving practical water management purposes. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find this dam's design and management details intriguing, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and water resource management.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
James River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
4 |
Drainage Area |
1.57 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sheyenne River Above Harvey
|
7cfs |
Wintering River Nr Karlsruhe
|
48cfs |
Souris River Nr Verendrye
|
18cfs |
Little Coulee Nr Leeds
|
0cfs |
Sheyenne River Nr Warwick
|
75cfs |
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 Dam 2