Flood Control Sites (ND): Lake Ashtabula, Homme Lake, Souris River

U. S. Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District
Published Feb. 27, 2015
Updated: Sept. 3, 2024
Lake Ashtabula is located 12 miles northwest of Valley City, N.D., and is situated in one of the most scenic river valleys in the region, offering visitors a wide range of recreation opportunities. The lake offers activities for every season of the year. Fishing and snowmobiling are available in the winter. The spring and fall bring a beautiful view of the migrating waterfowl. There are plenty of activities available in the summer, such as fishing, boating, camping, swimming and picnicking.

Lake Ashtabula is located 12 miles northwest of Valley City, N.D., and is situated in one of the most scenic river valleys in the region, offering visitors a wide range of recreation opportunities. The lake offers activities for every season of the year. Fishing and snowmobiling are available in the winter. The spring and fall bring a beautiful view of the migrating waterfowl. There are plenty of activities available in the summer, such as fishing, boating, camping, swimming and picnicking.

Purpose

Homme Lake and Lake Ashtabula are multiple-purpose sites with flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business functions. Souris River Project is used for flood control and mitigation activities.

Location

Homme Lake is 2 miles west of Park River, North Dakota, on the South Branch of the Park River. Walsh County, North Dakota, leases land to operate a recreation area with overnight camping, a day-use area and a boat launch.

Lake Ashtabula (Baldhill Dam) is 12 miles northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, on the Sheyenne River. It has overnight camping, swimming, boat launching, and picnic and playground facilities. About 2,500 acres are used for wildlife management.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) owns Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer Refuges. Lake Darling is 20 miles northwest of Minot, North Dakota. J. Clark Salyer Refuge is 65 miles northeast of Minot, North Dakota.

Description

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff provide operation and maintenance activities for all three sites. The USFWS staffs the Souris River sites, and the Corps supports some cyclical and noncyclical maintenance costs. Lake Ashtabula staff also provides significant support to readiness (emergency) response activities in local river basins. Lake Ashtabula provides backup water supply for communities on the Sheyenne and Red Rivers. Since their construction, the reservoirs have prevented flood damages as shown below:

      Homme Lake                                        $2,534,000

Lake Ashtabula                                 $555,051,000

Souris River                                      $116,480,000

Status

Design components for repairs to the ogee crest at Baldhill Dam were prepared in fiscal year 2022 and will be executed when funding is available – currently forecast for the fiscal year 2025 President’s Budget. An abutment stability analysis and repairs to spare gate actuators was completed in fiscal year 2023. Repair needs for the fish barrier at Souris Dam 357 have been assessed. Sustainability funding was utilized for the upgrade of electrical service and campsite layout at West Crossing Campground and sewer replacement at the Mel Rieman Recreation Area.

Authority

Lake Ashtabula by PL 78‒534. Homme Lake by PL 78‒534. Souris River by PL 97‒88 and 99‒662.

Funding

FY 2023:

Lake Ashtabula                               O&M - $1,909,710

                                                              BIL - $75,000

Homme Lake                                                 $361,350

Souris River                                                   $370,260

 

FY 2024 - Allocation

Lake Ashtabula                                           $2,245,320

Homme Lake                                                 $326,700

Souris River                                                   $385,110

 

FY 2025 – President’s Budget Request

Lake Ashtabula                                           $2,944,000

Homme Lake                                                 $787,000

Souris River                                                   $434,000