Spirit Lake Bia 4 South Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Spirit Lake Bia 4 South is a federally owned water resource located in North Dakota, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.


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Summary

Situated along the Sheyenne River, this dam has a high hazard potential and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District. While specific details about the dam's structure and purpose are not provided in the data, it is clear that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is responsible for all aspects of its management, including funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operations.

Despite lacking information on the dam's physical characteristics, it is evident that Spirit Lake Bia 4 South poses a significant risk due to its high hazard potential. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for this dam was last revised in September 2012, indicating a need for updated emergency protocols and risk assessments. With a regular inspection frequency of 5 years and a lack of available condition assessment data, there is a call for increased monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spirit Lake Bia 4 South serves as a point of interest in North Dakota's water infrastructure landscape. With its proximity to the Sheyenne River and the federal oversight by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this dam presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management practices. As discussions around water security and climate resilience continue to gain prominence, the management and maintenance of Spirit Lake Bia 4 South will be crucial in ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

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SHEYENNE RIVER -TR

Hazard Potential

High
       
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.