Jim Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Jim Dam, also known as Jim Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Jamestown, North Dakota, along the James River.


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Summary

Built in 1937 by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Bureau of Reclamation, this Earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 1850 feet. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing a habitat for various species in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and not being currently rated for condition assessment, Jim Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes inspection, permitting, and enforcement by state authorities. The dam has a storage capacity of 5350 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. However, there are no spillways or outlet gates associated with the structure, highlighting the importance of effective risk management measures and emergency preparedness.

With a high risk assessment rating of 2, Jim Dam presents a potential risk of inundation and requires close monitoring and adherence to guidelines for emergency action planning. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and has no associated structures, its strategic location within the Stutsman County highlights its significance in water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

1850

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

JAMES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

5350

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.