Little Shell (Belcourt)
Key Takeaway
Little Shell (Belcourt) is classified as high hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 7.4K acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00535 |
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
BIA
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Shell (Belcourt)?
Little Shell (Belcourt) 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 Little Shell (Belcourt)?
Little Shell (Belcourt) is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Shell (Belcourt) built?
Little Shell (Belcourt) was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Little Shell (Belcourt)?
Little Shell (Belcourt) serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Little Shell (Belcourt) last inspected?
Little Shell (Belcourt) was last inspected on January 12, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.