Matejcek Dam

Middle Branch Forest River· Walsh, North Dakota· Built 1966· Earth· 76 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Matejcek Dam is classified as high hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 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	76 ft (taller than 99.1% in ND)
Dam Length	1,175 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	9.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	2.7K acre-ft

Surface Area	135 acres
Drainage Area	155 sq mi
Year Completed	1966 (60 years old)
NID ID	ND00043

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: November 2, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

Walsh County WRB

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Matejcek Dam?

Matejcek 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 Matejcek Dam?

Matejcek Dam is owned by Walsh County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Matejcek Dam built?

Matejcek Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Matejcek Dam?

Matejcek Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Matejcek Dam?

Matejcek Dam has a dam height of 76 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 Matejcek Dam last inspected?

Matejcek Dam was last inspected on November 2, 2022. 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.