Olien Dam; Byron Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ziegler Dam; John Burke Dam; Paul
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
The Olien Dam in Byron, North Dakota, also known as Wetland 1, was completed in 1998 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
Owned privately and designed by USFWS, this earth dam stands at a height of 7.3 feet with a length of 622 feet. It has a storage capacity of 58.6 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres, benefiting from a drainage area of 0.89 square miles from Spring Creek-TR.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, the Olien Dam has a spillway width of 330 feet and is classified with a low hazard potential. While it has not been rated for condition assessment, the risk associated with the dam is considered moderate. With no outlet gates and a relatively small reservoir, the dam serves as an important habitat for fish and wildlife in the region, contributing to the overall ecological health of the area.
Located in Hettinger County, North Dakota, the Olien Dam plays a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. As a structure regulated by the state and designed for environmental conservation, the dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1998 |
Dam Length |
622 |
Dam Height |
7.3 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Drainage Area |
0.89 |
Nid Storage |
58.6 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
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.
Olien Dam; Byron