Tolna Dam 1

Tolna Coulee· Nelson, North Dakota· Built 1936· Earth· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Tolna Dam 1 is classified as significant hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 86.1% in ND)
Dam Length520 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.0K acre-ft
Surface Area166 acres
Drainage Area40 sq mi
Year Completed1936 (90 years old)
NID IDND00027

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: May 9, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ND DWR

Ownership

Nelson County WRB

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tolna Dam 1?

Tolna Dam 1 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 Tolna Dam 1?

Tolna Dam 1 is owned by Nelson County WRB (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tolna Dam 1 built?

Tolna Dam 1 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 Tolna Dam 1?

Tolna Dam 1 serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Tolna Dam 1?

Tolna Dam 1 has a dam height of 30 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 Tolna Dam 1 last inspected?

Tolna Dam 1 was last inspected on May 9, 2018. 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.