Kessler Dam; Kim Reservoir Report
Nearby: Zahn Dam; Joseph Keller Dam; Joe 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kessler Dam, also known as Wetland #1, is a privately owned earth dam located in Mercer County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 2001 by USFWS, this dam stands at a height of 14.4 feet and has a length of 295 feet. Its primary purpose is for fire protection, as well as serving as a stock or small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 64.7 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.8 acres, Kessler Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Operated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Kessler Dam is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Although it has a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have moderate risk, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk assessments and management measures. With a spillway width of 70 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is designed to handle potential excess water flow, mitigating the risk of flooding and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
Located along Beaver Creek-TR, Kessler Dam is a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like Kessler in storing and regulating water becomes increasingly important. By providing essential services for fire protection and wildlife habitat, Kessler Dam serves as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and environmental conservation in North Dakota.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
295 |
Dam Height |
14.4 |
River Or Stream |
BEAVER CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.8 |
Drainage Area |
1.66 |
Nid Storage |
64.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Knife River Nr Golden Valley
|
27cfs |
Spring Creek At Zap
|
5cfs |
Knife River At Hazen
|
48cfs |
Big Muddy Creek Near Almont
|
10cfs |
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
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.
Kessler Dam; Kim