The DWR Dam Safety Program’s purpose is to minimize the risk to life and property associated with the potential failure of dams in the state. This includes review construction permit applications, conducting dam inspections, maintaining an inventory of dams, and assisting with emergency preparedness activities.
The Dam Safety Program maintains an inventory of dams in North Dakota. The DWR provides access to this inventory through an interactive map service. View the North Dakota Dam Safety interactive map.
Information on how to obtain a construction permit is available on the Construction Permits webpage.
DWR conducts dam inspections and provides recommendations to dam owners regarding necessary maintenance and repairs. Non-federally owned high hazard and medium hazard dams are inspected on a rotational basis. Additional inspections are conducted as-needed or as-requested.
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a formal document that identifies potential emergency situations that could occur at a dam and specifies the course of action to be taken when an emergency situation arises. The purpose of an EAP is to minimize loss of life and property damage in the event of a dam emergency. EAPs are required for all high hazard and medium hazard dams in North Dakota
Dam owners are responsible for developing, testing, and updating an EAP for their dam. The Dam Safety Standards Policy (PDF) provide additional guidance for developing, testing, and updating EAPs.
EAP Resources
FEMA Federal Guidelines For Dam Safety - Emergency Action Planning For Dams (PDF)
Low head dams are usually simple concrete or rock masonry structures that span the width of the river or stream, raising the water level behind them until it reaches a height sufficient to flow over the dam. These low head dams can create dangerous conditions that the public may not be aware of or may underestimate. Under the right conditions, water flowing over the dam can cause a “roller effect” on the downstream side of the dam. Strong recirculating currents can trap and drown boaters, swimmers, or other members of the public.
Because low head dams are known to be dangerous, the DWR provides free cautionary safety signs to the owners of these dams. DWR will provide multiple signs per dam. Installation is a local responsibility. For more information, call (701) 328-4956 or e-mail.
Low Head Dam Resources
Over, Under, Gone: The Killer In Our Rivers (Video Link)
Dam Safety Inspection Reports Definitions of Recommendation Categories (NDDWR) (PDF)
Dam Safety Standards Dam Owner Presentation Video (January 25, 2024)
Dam Safety Standards Dam Engineer Presentation Video (January 30, 2024)
Dam Owner Workshop Video, January 2023 (Maintenance And Operations)
Dam Owner Workshop Video, June 2022 (Basics Of Owning a Dam)
Dam Ownership Fact Sheets (ASDSO) (PDF)
Dam Owner Academy Videos (ASDSO)
Dam Owner Emergency Intervention Toolbox (MT DNRC) (PDF)
Technical Manual For Dam Owners - Impacts Of Plants On Earthen Dams (FEMA 534) (PDF)
Technical Manual For Dam Owners - Impacts Of Animals On Earthen Dams (FEMA 473) (PDF)
Association Of State Dam Safety Officials
Information
For more information, contact the Regulatory Division at (701) 328-4956 or e-mail.