Burke Dam; Paul Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Burke Dam, also known as Paul Dam, is a private earth dam located in North Dakota, specifically in Hettinger County.
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Summary
Built in 2005 by the USFWS, this dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond along the Thirty Mile Creek. With a height of 9 feet and a length of 675 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 73.8 acre-feet, making it crucial for maintaining the natural habitat and water resources in the area.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, Burke Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 60 feet, and it has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the condition of the dam is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to monitor its integrity and address any potential risks.
Despite not having outlet gates, Burke Dam plays a vital role in preserving the local ecosystem and supporting wildlife. Its surface area of 14.5 acres and drainage area of 2.9 acres contribute to the overall water management in the region. With its strategic location and design, Burke Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
675 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
THIRTY MILE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.5 |
Drainage Area |
2.9 |
Nid Storage |
73.8 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
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.
Burke Dam; Paul