Short Creek Dam Lake is a 112-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Burke County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 28 feet (9-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 2 sampling years through 2021. The lake supports 4 documented fish species including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Burke County, Short Creek Dam Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2021-10-12. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Murky, only visible to about 3.8 ft. Chlorophyll-a: 9.3 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 55.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 3.8 ft | D |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 9.3 µg/L | B |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 55 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 27.6 ft |
| Average Depth | 8.9 ft |
| Surface Area | 112 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 8.2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Short Creek Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Short Creek Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Current Conditions
Latest reading Jul 6, 2026, 5:00 AM from USGS gauge 05113750. See live data ↗ — readings update every 15–60 minutes; this page refreshes on each build.
Water Temperature
Short Creek Dam Lake averages about 68°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 71°F) and coldest in Jan (about 39°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 68 field readings (2010–2021) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Short Creek Dam Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 2 lakes in Burke County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Short Creek Dam Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- BBaukol-Noonan Dam LakeDivide County · 11.3 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BNorthgate Dam LakeBurke County · 23.9 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Burke County
Explore Short Creek Dam Lake across LakeGrade
Fish species and top-graded lakes across North Dakota
Fish species and best lakes in Burke County
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at North Dakota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
North Dakota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
More North Dakota Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in North Dakota
Mountrail County · Clarity: 5.6 ft
Mountrail County · Clarity: 3.9 ft
Mountrail County · Clarity: 3 ft
Williams County · Clarity: 5.4 ft
Mountrail County · Clarity: 2.1 ft
Williams County · Fair
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Short Creek Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Short Creek Dam 1 (completed 1962), built primarily for recreation on the East Branch Short Creek; earth-type dam, 38 ft tall and 1,018 ft long.
- Surface area
- 112 ac
- Normal storage
- 1,200 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 2,765 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 164 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- ND Game & Fish
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00018 · Operator website · Matched by proximity (0.39 km)
EPA Impairment Status
Short Creek Dam Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2022 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit ND-09010007-001-L_00 · Official waterbody report
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2021-10-12
Monitoring stations: 1