Silver Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Silver Creek Dam, located in Nelson, North Dakota, is a local government-owned structure designed by KADRMAS LEE AND JACKSON.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam on Silver Creek stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 1300 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet and a surface area of 28.5 acres, the dam serves various purposes and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission.

Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the condition of Silver Creek Dam remains unrated. The dam does not have a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps. However, regular inspections are conducted, with the most recent inspection taking place in May 2018. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has no outlet gates.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Silver Creek Dam presents a unique opportunity to study the management and maintenance of a local government-owned structure in North Dakota. With its design by KADRMAS LEE AND JACKSON and state regulation by the NDSWC, the dam's moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and potential future risk management measures. Its historical completion in 1962 and significant storage capacity make Silver Creek Dam a valuable asset in the region's water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.5

Drainage Area

21

Nid Storage

2000

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds