Ellendale Township Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ellendale Water Supply Pheasant Lake
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Ellendale Township Dam, located in Dickey County, North Dakota, was completed in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
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Summary
This Earth dam on Sewer Branch Creek serves multiple purposes, including fire protection and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 11 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 51.6 acre-feet.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential, it is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 30 feet. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC risk level of 3. While the condition of the dam has not been officially rated, it is still in operation and provides valuable water resources for the local community.
Overall, the Ellendale Township Dam is an important infrastructure for water management in the region, providing essential services for fire protection and supporting local wildlife. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, the dam continues to play a vital role in the water resource management of North Dakota.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
SEWER BRANCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
James River At Lamoure
|
217cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
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.
Ellendale Township Dam