Kuntz Dam; James L 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jesse Bros Dam Kuntz Dam; James 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Kuntz Dam, also known as James L 2, is a privately-owned structure located in Kidder, North Dakota.
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Summary
Built in 1974 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 27 feet high and stretches 340 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, livestock watering, and serving as a small fish pond. Situated on Pipestem Creek, this dam is regulated by the NDSWC and falls under state jurisdiction.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Kuntz Dam is designed with an uncontrolled spillway and stone core types on a soil foundation. The dam's surface area covers 5 acres with a drainage area of 0.52 square miles. Despite not having outlet gates, the dam's construction and operational aspects are overseen by the state, ensuring compliance with inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. While not currently rated for condition assessment, Kuntz Dam remains a vital resource for water management and conservation efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
PIPESTEM CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.52 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Kuntz Dam; James L 2