Pheasant Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pheasant Lake, also known as Elm River Dam, is a vital water resource in Dickey County, North Dakota.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1963 by NDSWC, this earth dam stands at a height of 29.6 feet and has a structural height of 43 feet, with a length of 1400 feet. The dam serves primarily for water supply, with a storage capacity of 4808 acre-feet and a surface area of 234 acres, drawing from a drainage area of 96 square miles.

Regulated by the NDSWC, Pheasant Lake has undergone modifications in 1991, 2000, and 2002 to enhance its hydraulic and structural integrity. The dam's spillway is of the controlled type, and it features a single valve outlet gate. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the dam is closely monitored with regular inspections, the last of which took place in May 2018. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but it remains a critical asset for water management in the region, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the community.

Years Modified

1991 - Hydraulic, 2000 - Structural, 2002 - Structural

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

29.6

River Or Stream

ELM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

234

Drainage Area

96

Nid Storage

4808

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.