Holte Dam; Leonard Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Holte Dam, also known as Leonard Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Burke, North Dakota.


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Summary

Built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this dam serves as a fish and wildlife pond with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 11 feet and covers a surface area of 11 acres. It is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its small size, Holte Dam plays a crucial role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife in the Short Creek-TR watershed. The dam's construction was funded and overseen by private entities, with no federal agency involvement in its design, construction, or management. While its hazard potential is currently listed as undetermined and its condition is not rated, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of supporting local ecosystems. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the legacy of Holte Dam as a WPA project and its ongoing contribution to conservation efforts make it a noteworthy site to study and appreciate in the context of sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Short Creek-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

11
       
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.