Heart Butte
Key Takeaway
Heart Butte is classified as high hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 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 | 142 ft (taller than 99.9% in ND) |
| Dam Length | 1,850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 451.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 75.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10,953 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,810 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00149 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Heart Butte?
Heart Butte 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 Heart Butte?
Heart Butte is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Heart Butte built?
Heart Butte was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Heart Butte?
Heart Butte serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Heart Butte?
Heart Butte has a dam height of 142 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 Heart Butte last inspected?
Heart Butte was last inspected on July 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.