Lake Darling Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Darling Dam is classified as high hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 39 ft (taller than 91.8% in ND) |
| Dam Length | 4,064 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 200.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 108.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9,655 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9,160 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00332 |
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
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Darling Dam?
Lake Darling 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 Lake Darling Dam?
Lake Darling Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Darling Dam built?
Lake Darling Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Lake Darling Dam?
Lake Darling Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Darling Dam?
Lake Darling Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Lake Darling Dam last inspected?
Lake Darling Dam was last inspected on August 20, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.