Gordon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Gordon, located in Rolette County, North Dakota, is a Federal-owned dam managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.


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Summary

This dam, completed in 1960, serves as a critical water supply source, with a storage capacity of 1700 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Gordon Dam is to support water supply needs in the region, making it a vital infrastructure for the local community.

With a structural height of 10 feet and a length of 375 feet, Gordon Dam plays a key role in regulating water flow in Ox Creek. The dam is state-regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, ensuring that it meets necessary safety and regulatory standards. However, with a high hazard potential, ongoing inspections and emergency preparedness measures are crucial to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam.

As a Federal-owned structure, Gordon Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which oversees its funding, design, construction, regulation, and operations. Despite limited information on its current condition assessment, the dam remains a significant asset for water resource management in the area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Gordon Dam's history and functions intriguing, highlighting the intersection of infrastructure, water supply, and environmental stewardship in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

375

River Or Stream

OX CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

1700

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.