Mack Dam; Richard 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Mack Dam, also known as Richard 3, is a private-owned earth dam located in Bowman, North Dakota.
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Summary
Completed in the year 2000, this structure serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a primary purpose of enhancing habitat for aquatic life. With a height of 10.9 feet and a length of 495 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 123.6 acre-feet and a surface area of 15 acres.
Situated on Lightning Creek-TR, Mack Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and is equipped with a single vertical lift outlet gate. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment for Mack Dam is moderate (3).
Overall, Mack Dam plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area by providing a suitable habitat for fish and wildlife. As a water resource and climate enthusiast, this structure serves as a prime example of how human-made dams can contribute to the preservation and enhancement of natural ecosystems.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
10.9 |
River Or Stream |
LIGHTNING CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
123.6 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
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.
Mack Dam; Richard 3