Mathern Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mathern Dam, also known as Potsdam Dam, is a private earth dam located in Dickey County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1936, this dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing crucial habitat for various species in the area. With a height of 10.9 feet and a length of 384 feet, Mathern Dam has a storage capacity of 203.2 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 79.5 acre-feet.
The dam is situated on the South Fork Maple River-TR, under the regulatory oversight of the North Dakota State Water Commission. Despite its age, Mathern Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated in terms of its condition. The spillway, with a width of 160 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for natural overflow during peak flow events. The risk assessment for the dam indicates a moderate risk level (3), prompting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Overall, Mathern Dam stands as a vital resource for fish and wildlife preservation in the region, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. With its historical significance and ecological value, this earth dam serves as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation, highlighting the need for continued stewardship and protection of our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
384 |
Dam Height |
10.9 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK MAPLE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
9.8 |
Nid Storage |
203.2 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River At Lamoure
|
217cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James River At Jamestown
|
205cfs |
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.
Mathern Dam