Upper Maple River Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Upper Maple River Dam in Steele, North Dakota was completed in 2015 and is owned by the local government.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 4717.39 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Maple River. The dam has a storage capacity of 9953 acre-feet and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and efficacy.

Located in a significant hazard potential area, the Upper Maple River Dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 65 feet. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it is under moderate risk management measures. The surrounding drainage area is 58.2 square miles, and the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding risks in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design and purpose of the Upper Maple River Dam provides insight into the management of water resources and the protection of communities from potential natural disasters.

Year Completed

2015

Dam Length

4717.39

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

MAPLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

58.2

Nid Storage

9953

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.