Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8

Buffalo Creek· Cass, North Dakota· Built 1968· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 is classified as significant hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 88% in ND)
Dam Length1,275 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage412 acre-ft
Surface Area87 acres
Drainage Area38 sq mi
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDND00049

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

Maple River WRB

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8?

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8?

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 is owned by Maple River WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 built?

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8?

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 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 Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8?

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 has a dam height of 32 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 Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 last inspected?

Swan Buffalo Detention Dam 8 was last inspected on August 17, 2021. 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.