The Intermountain Conservation District unveiled a new flood control dam on Monday.

The dam is located on the Harper Creek just south of Grandview, just 3 miles north of Riding Mountain National Park. The elevation drop from the Park Line to Highway #366 is nearly 100ft per mile. This steep watershed has caused water to flow much quicker than in previous decades.

The Merv Mitchell Flood Control Dam is a “dry dam” meaning it will not hold water permanently. It has an undersized culvert to help restrict water flow during spring runoff and large storms. It will hold water back for a few days instead of a few hours, reducing the strength of the water and decreasing potential damage downstream. The dam will then empty itself and be ready to go for the next event.

Previous to the dam, the power of the waterway cause the banks to overrun, erode and flood. Washed out culvert and roads were an annual inconvenience. Municipal estimates show that RM’s pay $8 million in annual repairs.

The cost to build one dam is $50,000.

The IMCD has the goal of building a network of dams along the Riding Mountain Watershed.