Cathay Dam

Rocky Run Creek· Wells, North Dakota· Built 1920· Earth· 11 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Cathay Dam is classified as low hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 27.8% in ND)
Dam Length345 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage195 acre-ft
Normal Storage195 acre-ft
Surface Area39 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDND00071

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: November 28, 1979
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

Wells County WRB

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cathay Dam?

Cathay 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 Cathay Dam?

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

When was Cathay Dam built?

Cathay Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Cathay Dam?

Cathay Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cathay Dam?

Cathay Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Cathay Dam last inspected?

Cathay Dam was last inspected on November 28, 1979. 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.