Erie Dam

Rush River - TR· Cass, North Dakota· Built 1970· Earth· 42 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Local Government

Key Takeaway

Erie Dam is classified as significant hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 93.2% in ND)
Dam Length810 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.7K acre-ft
Surface Area130 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDND00030

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: September 23, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

ND Game and Fish

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Erie Dam?

Erie Dam 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 Erie Dam?

Erie Dam is owned by ND Game and Fish (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Erie Dam built?

Erie Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Erie Dam?

Erie Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Erie Dam?

Erie Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Erie Dam last inspected?

Erie Dam was last inspected on September 23, 2019. 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.