Nelson Lake Dam

Nelson Lake Dam Quick Facts

Location: Oliver, North Dakota
Coordinates: 47.06629, -101.20642
River: Square Butte Creek River
Primary Purpose: Other
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1967
Dam Height: 66 ft (20 m)
Dam Length: 2,200 ft (671 m)
Dam Capacity: 20,122 acre-ft (24,820 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory
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Nelson Lake Dam Map

Nelson Lake Dam Information

Nelson Lake Dam is an earthen embankment dam located in N, Oliver, North Dakota.

The dam, which is on the Square Butte Creek River, was primarily built for Other purposes, but also serves for Recreation benefits.

The dam was designed by International Eng Co Inc and commissioned in 1967 and is currently owned by Minnkota Power Coop.

Nelson Lake Dam Structure

The Nelson Lake Dam is approximately 2,200 feet (671 m) long, 66 feet (20 m) high and has a structural volume of 235,000 cubic yards (179,670 cubic metres).

Nelson Lake Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 10,350 acre-ft (12,767 Ml) and maximum capacity of 20,122 acre-ft (24,820 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 660 acres (267 ha) and the total catchment area is 146 square miles (378 square kilometres).

Nelson Lake Dam Spillway

The dam has a 850 feet (259 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of cubic feet per second (0 cubic metres per second).

Nelson Lake Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Nelson Lake Dam
Oliver, North Dakota
Height (ft)
66
Length (Ft)
2,200
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
20,122
Drainage Area (sq miles)
146
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Height (ft)
730
Length (Ft)
1,244
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,237,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
167,800
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Height (ft)
550
Length (Ft)
5,673
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
9,562,0000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
74,100
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Height (ft)
357
Length (Ft)
1,208
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,411,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
5,736
Oroville Dam
Butte County, California
Height (ft)
235
Length (Ft)
6,920
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,540,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
3,611
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft)
216
Length (Ft)
1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
108,355

Nelson Lake Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Nelson Lake Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Nelson Lake Dam

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Nelson Lake Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Nelson Lake Dam?

Nelson Lake Dam is in North Dakota.

In which county is the Nelson Lake Dam?

Nelson Lake Dam is in Oliver County.

How high is the Nelson Lake Dam?

Nelson Lake Dam is 66 feet high.

How long is the Nelson Lake Dam?

Nelson Lake Dam is 2,200 feet long.

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More Dams in Oliver County:

Nelson Lake Dam
Square Butte Creek Dam 4
Square Butte Creek Dam 5

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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