Jamestown
Key Takeaway
Jamestown is classified as high hazard in North Dakota. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 81 ft (taller than 99.7% in ND) |
| Dam Length | 1,418 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 379.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17,427 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,670 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | ND00151 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Jamestown?
Jamestown is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Jamestown?
Jamestown is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Jamestown built?
Jamestown was completed in 1954, making it 72 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Jamestown?
Jamestown serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Jamestown?
Jamestown has a dam height of 81 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Jamestown last inspected?
Jamestown was last inspected on August 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.