The Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs are located along the James River and Pipestem Creek immediately north of Jamestown, N.D.
Pipestem Dam is operated and maintained by the Omaha District. Pipestem Dam was constructed for flood damage reduction, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation. Construction of the dam began in June 1971, and was completed in 1973. The dam measures approximately 4,000 feet in length, with a maximum height of 107.5 feet from the stream bed to the top of the dam.
Jamestown Dam is a Bureau of Reclamation project that is regulated by the USACE when the reservoir is in the flood control zone. When the reservoir is in the flood control zone, the Corps, Bureau of Reclamation and National Weather Service monitor rainfall and runoff conditions, and provide updated forecasts and release plans as conditions change. Residents along the James River downstream from Jamestown should monitor flood forecasts by the National Weather Service during these periods.