Pesek Dam; Emil Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Emil Pesek Dam, located in McKenzie County, North Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1972.


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Summary

The dam, constructed primarily for irrigation purposes, stands at 19 feet high and stretches 658 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet. Situated on Timber Creek, the dam has a spillway width of 64 feet and is classified as an earth dam with a stone core foundation.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the structure has not been officially rated for its condition but is equipped with emergency action plans, although it is unclear when they were last updated.

Emil Pesek Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, providing irrigation opportunities and contributing to the overall water management system in North Dakota. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam's design and construction details offer insight into the efforts to harness and utilize water resources sustainably for agricultural purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

658

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TIMBER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

1.81

Nid Storage

128

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.