Nesheim Dam; Mark 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Horst Dam; Kelly Nesheim Dam; Mark 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Nesheim Dam; Mark 2, also known as Wetland #2, is a privately owned Earth dam located in Mountrail, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 2001 by the USFWS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Shell Creek-TR river. With a height of 8.6 feet and a length of 297 feet, Nesheim Dam has a storage capacity of 54.5 acre-feet and a normal storage of 12.1 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Nesheim Dam is regulated by the NDSWC and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement actions. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and a vertical lift outlet gate. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, its risk assessment is moderate, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nesheim Dam; Mark 2 presents an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and flood risk reduction efforts. Situated in a critical location in North Dakota, this dam showcases the collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of water infrastructure. With its modest dimensions and moderate risk assessment, Nesheim Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
297 |
Dam Height |
8.6 |
River Or Stream |
SHELL CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.4 |
Nid Storage |
54.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Nesheim Dam; Mark 2