Kunick Dam; Bernard 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Kunick Dam, also known as Bernard 1 or the Downstream Dam, is a private earth dam located in Golden Valley, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a dam height of 20 feet and a length of 450 feet, Kunick Dam has a storage capacity of 106.7 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres.

Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Kunick Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam has a spillway width of 105 feet and is classified as having a low hazard potential with a moderate risk rating of 3. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as 'Not Rated', suggesting that further evaluation and maintenance may be needed to ensure its safety and functionality in the long term.

Situated on Elk Creek-TR, Kunick Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Its presence not only provides essential services for local agriculture and fire protection but also contributes to the ecological diversity by creating a habitat for small fish species. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and management of dams like Kunick Dam is vital for ensuring sustainable water use and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

ELK CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

3.4

Nid Storage

106.7

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.