Friedt Dam; Wm & Luella Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Friedt Dam, also known as Wetland #1, is a privately owned structure located in Hettinger, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 2002 by the USFWS, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. The dam has a height of 15 feet and a length of 415 feet, with a storage capacity of 107.3 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres.

Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Friedt Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment level. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 75 feet. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to assess its integrity and identify any maintenance needs.

Friedt Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing essential services for fire protection and agricultural use. With its strategic location on Buffalo Creek, the dam contributes to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem and helps mitigate the impacts of climate variability on water availability. As a key infrastructure for the community, Friedt Dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

10.9

Nid Storage

107.3

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.