Dakota Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dakota Lake Dam, also known as Frojen L or Ludden Dam, is a Federal-owned structure located in North Dakota along the James River.


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Summary

Built in 1932 by the USFWS, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 1405 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2124 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the North Dakota State Water Commission, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has undergone modifications in 1938 to strengthen its foundation. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is considered to have some level of risk, although specific risk management measures are not currently specified. While the condition assessment is marked as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status and compliance with guidelines are not available, raising questions about its preparedness for potential emergencies. Overall, Dakota Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts to monitor and assess in the ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality.

Years Modified

1938 - Foundation

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

1405

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

JAMES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

5480

Nid Storage

2124

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
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.