Dewitt Dam; James 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dewitt Dam, also known as James 1, is a privately owned structure located in LaMoure, North Dakota, along Cottonwood Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 2009 by USFWS, this earth dam serves the primary purposes of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 8.1 feet and a storage capacity of 103.6 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by NDSWC and regulated by the state of North Dakota, Dewitt Dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 50 feet, ensuring proper water flow during high discharge events. Despite being not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements, showcasing its reliability in maintaining water quality and quantity for the community.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dewitt Dam stands as a vital structure for both water management and ecological conservation. With its strategic location and purposeful design, it not only provides essential services for fire protection and stock supply but also contributes to the local ecosystem's sustainability. As a privately owned entity with state oversight, the dam represents a successful collaboration between private interests and public responsibilities in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Height

8.1

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.2

Drainage Area

4.6

Nid Storage

103.6

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.