Coulee Dam
Key Takeaway
Coulee Dam is classified as low hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 45.9% in ND) |
| Dam Length | 316 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 76 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 76 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00516 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
McKenzie County WRB
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Henderson Dam; Hazel 2
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Low Hazard 18 ftHenderson Dam; Hazel 1
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Low Hazard 24 ftParrish Dam; Lloyd
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Low Hazard 25 ftJohnson Dam; Mervin
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Low Hazard 25 ftSiverton Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftJohnsrud Dam; Miles
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Low Hazard 22 ftJorgenson Pond; Hazel
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Unknown 15 ftBice Pond; Wylie #2
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Coulee Dam?
Coulee 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 Coulee Dam?
Coulee Dam is owned by McKenzie County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Coulee Dam built?
Coulee 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 Coulee Dam?
Coulee Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Coulee Dam?
Coulee Dam has a dam height of 15 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.