Elm River Detention Dam 1

Middle Branch Elm RIver· Steele, North Dakota· Built 1964· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Elm River Detention Dam 1 is classified as significant hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 73.3% in ND)
Dam Length4,035 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage5.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage447 acre-ft
Surface Area142 acres
Drainage Area42 sq mi
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDND00041

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 19, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

Traill County WRB

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elm River Detention Dam 1?

Elm River Detention Dam 1 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Elm River Detention Dam 1?

Elm River Detention Dam 1 is owned by Traill County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Elm River Detention Dam 1 built?

Elm River Detention Dam 1 was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Elm River Detention Dam 1?

Elm River Detention Dam 1 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Elm River Detention Dam 1?

Elm River Detention Dam 1 has a dam height of 23 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 Elm River Detention Dam 1 last inspected?

Elm River Detention Dam 1 was last inspected on August 19, 2021. 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.