Thiel Dam; Donavon & D. Reservoir Report
Nearby: Doll Dam; Lance Diede Dam; Will
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Thiel Dam, located on Scab Creek in Morton, North Dakota, was completed in 1997 by the USFWS and is privately owned.
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Summary
This earth dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 12.9 feet and a length of 405 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 52.7 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.5 acres.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Thiel Dam is regulated and inspected by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and has a width of 80 feet, while its hazard potential is rated as low. Despite not having a designated outlet gate, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and it has a moderate risk assessment score of 3, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures.
Thiel Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing essential services for both agricultural and environmental purposes. Its strategic location and design make it a valuable asset in maintaining water supply and controlling potential flood risks, while also supporting local wildlife habitats. As a key infrastructure project in North Dakota, Thiel Dam represents a successful collaboration between state and private entities in ensuring sustainable water resource management for the region.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
405 |
Dam Height |
12.9 |
River Or Stream |
SCAB CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.5 |
Drainage Area |
4.96 |
Nid Storage |
52.7 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Thiel Dam; Donavon & D.