Buffalo Creek Dam

Mouse River-TR· McHenry, North Dakota· Built 1934· Earth· 6 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Local Government

Key Takeaway

Buffalo Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 6 ft (taller than 0.1% in ND)
Dam Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage140 acre-ft
Normal Storage95 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area26 sq mi
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
NID IDND00184

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 5, 1974
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

McHenry County WRB

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buffalo Creek Dam?

Buffalo Creek Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Buffalo Creek Dam?

Buffalo Creek Dam is owned by McHenry County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buffalo Creek Dam built?

Buffalo Creek Dam was completed in 1934, making it 92 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Buffalo Creek Dam?

Buffalo Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Buffalo Creek Dam?

Buffalo Creek Dam has a dam height of 6 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Buffalo Creek Dam last inspected?

Buffalo Creek Dam was last inspected on February 5, 1974. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.