Nichols Dam; Randy Reservoir Report
Nearby: Moen Wpa Horst Dam; Kelly
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Nichols Dam, also known as Wetland 1, is a privately owned Earth dam located in Mountrail, North Dakota.
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Summary
This dam was completed in 2000 with a height of 10.8 feet and a length of 291 feet, providing a storage capacity of 58.2 acre-feet for fish and wildlife pond purposes. Situated on Shell Creek-TR, this dam serves as a vital resource for enhancing the local ecosystem in the area.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Nichols Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. With a spillway width of 38 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is designed to handle potential overflow efficiently. Although the condition assessment of the dam is not rated, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nichols Dam offers a fascinating insight into the balance between human intervention and natural ecosystems. Serving as a crucial habitat for fish and wildlife, this dam showcases the importance of sustainable water management practices in supporting biodiversity and enhancing environmental resilience. By understanding and monitoring the operations of dams like Nichols, we can better appreciate the interconnected relationship between water resources, climate dynamics, and ecosystem health.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
291 |
Dam Height |
10.8 |
River Or Stream |
SHELL CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Drainage Area |
0.77 |
Nid Storage |
58.2 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Nichols Dam; Randy