Liffrig Dam; David 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Adamyk Dam; Ted Sawicki Dam; Randy
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Liffrig Dam, also known as David 3 or Wetland #3, is a privately owned earth dam located in Burleigh County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Constructed in 2001 by the USFWS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 13.9 feet and a length of 560 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 126.9 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13.5 acres.
Situated on Painted Woods Creek, the Liffrig Dam is regulated by the NDSWC and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3), indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it meets guidelines for emergency action plans and inundation maps, ensuring that proper protocols are in place in the event of a potential breach.
Overall, Liffrig Dam is a vital water resource structure in North Dakota, providing essential services while also posing a moderate level of risk. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and functionality intriguing, as well as the ongoing efforts to manage its potential hazards and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
13.9 |
River Or Stream |
PAINTED WOODS CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.5 |
Drainage Area |
2.96 |
Nid Storage |
126.9 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
Hay Creek At Main Avenue In Bismarck
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Apple Creek Nr Menoken
|
59cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
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.
Liffrig Dam; David 3