Jacobs Dam; Leonard J Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Jacobs Dam, also known as Leonard J Dam, is a private earth dam located on Buffalo Creek in Adams County, North Dakota.
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Summary
The dam was designed by USFWS and is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission. With a height of 10.5 feet and a length of 950 feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.6 acres.
The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 650 feet wide and features a single vertical lift outlet gate. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level of 3. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, and there is no information available on the last inspection date or the emergency action plan status. Overall, Jacobs Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area and is an important asset for fire protection and agricultural activities.
While Jacobs Dam may not be a high-risk structure, its presence on Buffalo Creek underscores the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure its continued functionality and safety. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, the dam provides essential services to the surrounding community and serves as a vital resource for both humans and wildlife. Monitoring and assessing the condition of Jacobs Dam will be essential in safeguarding its integrity and maximizing its benefits for years to come.
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
10.5 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.6 |
Drainage Area |
13.1 |
Nid Storage |
146 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Jacobs Dam; Leonard J