DUNN CENTER, N.D. – In 2020, as part of a routine inspection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) staff and engineers documented seepage occurring on the downstream side of the Lake Ilo dam. Extensive monitoring took place in 2021-2022, to better understand the root causes.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) maintained a drawdown of Lake Ilo water levels. This action was taken to mitigate seepage and relieve pressure off the Lake Ilo dam to ensure safe operation and address concerns for the safety for those located downstream.
With a better understanding of the problem and needed repairs, the engineering and design plans have now been completed and requests for proposals from prospective contractors will occur in early 2024. The Service expects construction to start in May 2024. Seep repairs will be completed during 2024, and lake levels will be restored in 2025. A continued drawdown of the lake level in 2024 is needed to complete repairs.
In Spring 2024, in addition to the continued drawdown, the Service expects some minor closures near the construction area on the face of the dam, including closure of the walking trail and reduced traffic at the bottom of the dam. The Lake Ilo Park area will remain open throughout the construction period.
For additional information, please contact Refuge Manager Kathy Baer at 701-442-5474 ext. 114 or kathy_baer@fws.gov.
