Severson Dam; Clara Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Severson Dam, also known as Clara or Wetland 1, is a private-owned structure in Mountrail, North Dakota, completed in 1999.
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Summary
Sitting on the Little Knife River, the dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of providing habitat for aquatic life. Standing at 6.6 feet tall and 118 feet long, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 76.2 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Severson Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam's spillway, with a width of 78 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam itself is classified as having a low hazard potential. Even though its condition is not rated, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures.
Despite the modest size and function of Severson Dam, its role in supporting local wildlife and managing water resources in the region is crucial. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and monitoring structures like Severson Dam helps ensure the sustainable use of water and protection of the environment for future generations.
Year Completed |
1999 |
Dam Length |
118 |
Dam Height |
6.6 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE KNIFE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
76.2 |
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.
Severson Dam; Clara