Cottonwood Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lamoure City Dam Schmidt Dam; Melvin
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Cottonwood Creek Dam, located in LaMoure, North Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 2005 by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching 906 feet in length, the dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management on Cottonwood Creek. With a storage capacity of 207 acre-feet and a normal storage of 18.6 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 9 acres and drains an area of 246 square miles.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 130 feet and vertical lift outlet gates. While the hazard potential is classified as low and the condition is not rated, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the North Dakota State Water Commission, which oversees permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite not being federally owned or funded, Cottonwood Creek Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the region.
Overall, Cottonwood Creek Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water management in North Dakota, ensuring the protection of downstream areas and serving as a key element in the state's climate resilience efforts. With its modest size but important function, the dam highlights the collaborative efforts between state agencies and local communities to safeguard water resources and enhance environmental sustainability in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
906 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
246 |
Nid Storage |
207 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River At Lamoure
|
217cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
Sheyenne River At Lisbon
|
222cfs |
Maple River Nr Enderlin
|
25cfs |
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.
Cottonwood Creek Dam