Knife River Coal Pond 81 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: April 1, 2026
Knife River Coal Pond 81, also known as MDU Dam & Land, is a private-owned structure located in Mercer, North Dakota.
Summary
Built in 1986, this earth dam stands at a height of 25.4 feet and serves the primary purpose of "Other". With a storage capacity of 42.6 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.1 acres, this dam is associated with Brush Creek-Tr and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of North Dakota.
Despite being a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating, Knife River Coal Pond 81 has not been inspected recently and is currently not in a rated condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet and an outlet gate consisting of one valve. Although not state regulated, this dam is subject to state inspection and enforcement, ensuring its safety and functionality for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and monitor.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1986 |
Dam Height |
25.4 |
River Or Stream |
BRUSH CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.66 |
Nid Storage |
42.6 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spring Creek At Zap
|
23cfs |
Knife River At Hazen
|
99cfs |
Knife River Nr Golden Valley
|
34cfs |
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
6cfs |
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
4cfs |
Deepwater Creek At Mouth Nr Raub
|
13cfs |
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.
Knife River Coal Pond 81