Irgens Dam; Jim & Tom 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harmon Dam; Carl Epping Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Irgens Dam, also known as Jim & Tom 3, is a privately-owned earth dam located on the East Fork Little Muddy Creek in Williams County, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1978 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.5 acres. The dam stands at a height of 19.7 feet and has a spillway width of 50 feet, with uncontrolled spillway type.
Managed by the North Dakota State Water Commission (NDSWC), Irgens Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with standards. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3), indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. With a history of not being regularly assessed for condition, the dam's overall structural integrity is currently not rated.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Irgens Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of human-made infrastructure with natural ecosystems. As a key feature in the local landscape, this dam offers recreational benefits while also posing potential risks that require careful monitoring and management. Its presence on the East Fork Little Muddy Creek contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining the balance between human needs and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Height |
19.7 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FORK LITTLE MUDDY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Irgens Dam; Jim & Tom 3