English Coulee Dam
Key Takeaway
English Coulee Dam is classified as high hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 27 ft (taller than 82.9% in ND) |
| Dam Length | 36,960 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 29.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 292 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 183 acres |
| Drainage Area | 54 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1990 (36 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00425 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Grand Forks County WRB
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Earl Dam; Douglas
Grand Forks, ND
Low Hazard 12 ftAnderson Dam; Iver
Grand Forks, ND
Low Hazard 13 ftDam ND01016
Grand Forks, ND
Low Hazard 8 ftDam ND01073
Grand Forks, ND
Unknown 34 ftDam ND01074
Grand Forks, ND
Unknown 34 ftGrand Forks Riverside Park Dam
Grand Forks, ND
Low Hazard 19 ftRiverside Park
Polk, MN
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of English Coulee Dam?
English Coulee Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates English Coulee Dam?
English Coulee Dam is owned by Grand Forks County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was English Coulee Dam built?
English Coulee Dam was completed in 1990, making it 36 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 English Coulee Dam?
English Coulee Dam 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 English Coulee Dam?
English Coulee Dam has a dam height of 27 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 English Coulee Dam last inspected?
English Coulee Dam was last inspected on September 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.