Sarnia Dam
Key Takeaway
Sarnia Dam is classified as low hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 20 ft (taller than 65.1% in ND) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00061 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Nelson County WRB
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sarnia Dam?
Sarnia Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sarnia Dam?
Sarnia Dam is owned by Nelson County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sarnia Dam built?
Sarnia Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Sarnia Dam?
Sarnia Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sarnia Dam?
Sarnia Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Sarnia Dam last inspected?
Sarnia Dam was last inspected on May 9, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.