Dobitz Dam; Fran 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dobitz Dam; Fran 2, also known as Wetland 2, is a privately owned earth dam located in Sioux County, North Dakota.


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Summary

Completed in 1995 by the USFWS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and a small fish pond. With a height of 15.2 feet and a length of 383 feet, Dobitz Dam has a storage capacity of 101.5 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.8 acres.

Situated on Cedar Creek-TR, Dobitz Dam is regulated by the NDSWC and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, as well as a single vertical lift outlet gate. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a moderate risk level, the condition of Dobitz Dam is currently not rated, and it lacks an emergency action plan (EAP) and inundation maps.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dobitz Dam; Fran 2 offers an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam in North Dakota. With its unique combination of purposes and regulatory oversight, this dam presents opportunities for further research and analysis in the realm of water management and infrastructure resilience. As the dam continues to play a role in fire protection and agricultural water supply, its risk management measures and emergency preparedness will be crucial aspects to monitor in the future.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

383

Dam Height

15.2

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.8

Drainage Area

2.34

Nid Storage

101.5

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.