Esposito Dam; Mike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Esposito Dam, also known as Mike, is a privately owned structure located in Burleigh, North Dakota.


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Summary

Completed in 2010 by the USFWS, this Earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. With a height of 16.8 feet and a NID storage capacity of 188.8 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources in the region.

The dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Esposito Dam is considered to be in good condition. The spillway, with a width of 160 feet, is uncontrolled and can handle any excess water flow, minimizing the risk of flooding in the area.

Esposito Dam's strategic location on the Apple Creek-TR stream contributes to the overall management of water resources in the region. With its ability to store 188.8 acre-feet of water and cover a surface area of 22.4 acres, the dam plays a vital role in ensuring water availability for various purposes while also protecting against potential risks and hazards.

Year Completed

2010

Dam Height

16.8

River Or Stream

APPLE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22.4

Drainage Area

12.26

Nid Storage

188.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.