Schaefer Dam; Norman M Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Schaefer Dam, also known as Norman M Dam, is a private dam located in Mercer, North Dakota.
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Summary
Completed in 2003, this earth dam stands at a height of 45.6 feet and serves primarily for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 200.9 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 4.7 acres and has a drainage area of 0.44 square miles.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Schaefer Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its relatively small size, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the surrounding area and maintaining a stable ecosystem for local wildlife. The dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3) and it is under state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Overall, Schaefer Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate protection in the region. With its strategic location on the Missouri River and its multiple purposes including fire protection and stock watering, the dam contributes significantly to the local community's water supply and ecological sustainability. As a privately owned structure, it is essential for the state and regulatory agencies to continue monitoring and maintaining the dam to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Height |
45.6 |
River Or Stream |
MISSOURI RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.44 |
Nid Storage |
200.9 |
Structural Height |
47 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
47 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Knife River At Hazen
|
48cfs |
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
Spring Creek At Zap
|
5cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
Knife River Nr Golden Valley
|
27cfs |
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.
Schaefer Dam; Norman M
Northern Boundary Of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site To Southern Boundary Of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site