Vanberkom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Vanberkom Dam, also known as Lokken Dam or Margaret, is a privately owned structure located in Burke, North Dakota.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 20 feet, was designed by DU and serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond along the White Earth River. The dam has a storage capacity of 226.5 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 94 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 16.9 acres and draining an area of 22.36 square miles.

Despite being relatively low-hazard with a moderate risk assessment, Vanberkom Dam is not currently rated for its condition. This structure features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and does not have any outlet gates. The last inspection of the dam took place in April 1999, with no subsequent assessments reported. While the dam has state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight from NDSWC, there are no federal agencies involved in its ownership, funding, design, construction, or operations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Vanberkom Dam presents an interesting case study in private ownership and management of a water control structure. With its primary purpose being a Fish and Wildlife Pond, the dam plays a crucial role in enhancing local biodiversity and ecosystem health. As efforts to assess and potentially upgrade the dam's condition continue, stakeholders and researchers can monitor its performance and impact on the surrounding environment.

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

WHITE EARTH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.9

Drainage Area

22.36

Nid Storage

226.5

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.