Armourdale Dam Lake is a 80-acre mesotrophic lake in Towner County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 31 feet (12-foot average). Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2025. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing. Compared to the 1 other monitored lakes in Towner County, Armourdale Dam Lake ranks #2 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2025-10-01. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 7.2 ft. Trophic State Index: 49.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 7.2 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 49 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 30.8 ft |
| Average Depth | 11.9 ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 4.8 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
Where to stay near Armourdale Dam Lake
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Fish Species
Click a species to see every graded lake where it is documented.
Fishing Armourdale Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Armourdale Dam Lake averages about 63°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 64°F) and coldest in May (about 49°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 18 field readings (2016–2025) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Armourdale Dam Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #2 of 2 lakes in Towner County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Armourdale Dam Lake holds Grade C. 2 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Towner County
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
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Moderate nutrients, good water quality
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More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Armourdale Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Armourdale Dam (completed 1961), built primarily for fish and wildlife pond on the Badger Coulee-TR; earth-type dam, 46 ft tall and 650 ft long.
- Surface area
- 79.8 ac
- Normal storage
- 1,123 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 2,162 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 17 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Significant
- Owner
- ND Game & Fish
All listed purposes: Fish and Wildlife Pond;Recreation.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00008 · Operator website
EPA Impairment Status
Armourdale Dam Lake is officially listed as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) in the 2022 EPA reporting cycle (IR category 4A).
Causes of impairment
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan has been approved.
Source: EPA ATTAINS assessment unit ND-09020315-006-L_00 · Official waterbody report
Lake Size & Watershed
Size, shoreline, and watershed area from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS). Mean depth is a modeled estimate.
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Impairment status from EPA ATTAINS 303(d) database
Lake size & watershed from HydroLAKES (HydroSHEDS)
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Depth, fish, and access data from North Dakota Game & Fish
Public boat-access points from the USGS National Boat Ramps inventory
Most recent sample: 2025-10-01
Monitoring stations: 1