Sommer Dam; Gerald Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Sommer Dam; Gerald, also known as Wetland Site No.
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Summary
1, is a privately owned earth dam located in North Dakota along Coal Creek-TR. Constructed in 2017 by USFWS, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 18.5 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 79.2 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 27.8 acre-feet.
Situated in Mercer County, North Dakota, Sommer Dam; Gerald is regulated by the NDSWC and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. While it does not have a spillway or outlet gates, the dam provides essential water resource management for the surrounding area, enhancing fire protection capabilities and supporting fish and wildlife habitats.
Despite its relatively small size, Sommer Dam; Gerald plays a significant role in water resource management in the region. As a privately owned structure, it highlights the importance of private landowners in maintaining and managing water resources for various purposes, from fire protection to ecological conservation. The dam's construction and management demonstrate a proactive approach to sustainable water use and climate resilience in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
2017 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
18.5 |
River Or Stream |
Coal Creek-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
79.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Sommer Dam; Gerald
Northern Boundary Of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site To Southern Boundary Of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site