Syvrud Dam; M G Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crown Butte Dam Boehm Dam; Leo
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Syvrud Dam, located in Morton County, North Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, the dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 204 feet, providing a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Sweet Briar Creek and is regulated by the state with inspection and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Syvrud Dam is considered a relatively stable structure. The spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 107 feet. The dam does not have outlet gates and is not associated with any other structures. While the condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the dam is regularly inspected by state authorities to mitigate any potential risks and ensure public safety. Overall, Syvrud Dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the community while also contributing to water management efforts in the region.
Despite its simple design and low hazard potential, Syvrud Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and supporting water management in the area. Managed by a private entity and designed by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands as a testament to effective collaboration between government agencies and private stakeholders. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Syvrud Dam will become increasingly important for maintaining water security and providing recreational amenities for local residents and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
204 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
SWEET BRIAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
1.88 |
Nid Storage |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sweetbriar Creek Nr Judson
|
3cfs |
Heart River Nr Mandan
|
101cfs |
Heart River At Stark Bridge Nr Judson
|
61cfs |
Missouri River At Bismarck
|
16700cfs |
Burnt Creek Nr Bismarck
|
9cfs |
Square Butte Creek Below Center
|
2cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Crown Butte Dam
|
||
Sweetbriar Lake - Southeast Ramp - ND GFD
|
||
Sweet Briar Lake
|
||
Sweetbriar Lake-Northwest Ramp - ND GFD
|
Syvrud Dam; M G