Hushka Dam; Niles Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Hushka Dam in Niles, North Dakota, completed in 2015, is a private-owned Earth dam primarily designed for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission, the dam stands at a height of 23.9 feet and has a length of 196 feet, with a storage capacity of 178 acre-feet. Situated on Square Butte Creek-TR, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing essential water resources for the region.
With a surface area of 14.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.92 square miles, Hushka Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Morton County, North Dakota. The spillway, uncontrolled in design, has a width of 60 feet, ensuring the safe release of excess water during heavy rainfall or flooding events. While the dam's hazard potential remains undetermined, its risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and functionality for the community.
As a key component of the local water resource infrastructure, Hushka Dam plays a significant role in supporting fire protection efforts, livestock watering, and small fish pond activities. With its strategic location and design, the dam not only enhances the region's water storage capacity but also contributes to environmental conservation and sustainable water management practices. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the presence of well-maintained dams like Hushka Dam is essential for mitigating risks and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations.
Year Completed |
2015 |
Dam Length |
196 |
Dam Height |
23.9 |
River Or Stream |
SQUARE BUTTE CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.92 |
Nid Storage |
178 |
Structural Height |
25.9 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Hay Creek At Main Avenue In Bismarck
|
3cfs |
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.
Hushka Dam; Niles
River Road Oliver County