Estey Dam; Michael Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rice Lake Dam Henderson Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Estey Dam, also known as Michael Dam, is a private earth dam located in Burleigh County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 2012 by the USFWS, this dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond for conservation purposes. With a height of 15.1 feet and a storage capacity of 82.5 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the McKenzie Slough-Tr river system.
Despite being a low hazard potential structure, Estey Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, ensuring that it meets all necessary safety and environmental standards. With a spillway width of 80 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam is equipped to handle moderate risk situations. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.
With its primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife habitats, Estey Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in sustaining ecological diversity. As a key component of the St. Paul District's conservation efforts, this dam plays a vital role in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Year Completed |
2012 |
Dam Height |
15.1 |
River Or Stream |
MCKENZIE SLOUGH-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.7 |
Nid Storage |
82.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Long Lake Cr Below Long Lake Nr Moffit
|
95cfs |
Apple Creek Nr Menoken
|
59cfs |
Hay Creek At Main Avenue In Bismarck
|
3cfs |
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
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.
Estey Dam; Michael