Pesek Dam; James Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pesek Dam, located in McKenzie County, North Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1977 for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 14.8 feet and with a length of 759 feet, impounds Camp Creek and provides a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 67 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 10 acres and drains a watershed area of 1.56 square miles.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, Pesek Dam is regulated by the North Dakota State Water Commission and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and does not have outlet gates. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam has no emergency action plan in place, and its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated."

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Pesek Dam an intriguing example of a privately owned irrigation structure in North Dakota with a significant impact on local water resources. The dam's design, construction, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the management of water infrastructure in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for both agricultural and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

759

Dam Height

14.8

River Or Stream

CAMP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1.56

Nid Storage

107

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.