Odland Dam Lake is a 128-acre productive, nutrient-rich eutrophic lake in Golden Valley County, North Dakota with a maximum depth of 17 feet (6-foot average). Water quality is graded D based on 2 sampling years through 2023. The lake supports 3 documented fish species including Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Walleye. Public access is available with 1 public boat landing.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, North Dakota DNR, last sampled 2023-10-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Swimming not recommended, poor water quality with high algae risk
Water Quality Grade: D, Poor
Very murky, less than 1.5 ft of visibility. Chlorophyll-a: 29.6 µg/L. Trophic State Index: 68.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 1.5 ft | F |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | 29.6 µg/L | D |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 68 | Eutrophic |
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 16.7 ft |
| Average Depth | 5.7 ft |
| Surface Area | 128 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 5.2 mi |
| Public Access | Yes |
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Fish Species
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Fishing Odland Dam Lake
Recreation & Access
Water Temperature
Odland Dam Lake averages about 65°F at the surface in summer, usually warmest in Jul (about 68°F) and coldest in Oct (about 51°F). These are typical values by month — not a live reading.
Typical surface water temperature by month, from 14 field readings (2023–2023) via the EPA Water Quality Portal. See the full Odland Dam Lake water temperature breakdown →
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #1 of 1 lakes in Golden Valley County
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High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
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Other Grade D Lakes in North Dakota
Stark County · Clarity: 5.3 ft
Bowman County · Clarity: 1.3 ft
Williams County · Clarity: 4.9 ft
Williams County · Clarity: 2.2 ft
Hettinger County · Clarity: 3.8 ft
Mountrail County · Clarity: 1.1 ft
Eutrophic Lakes in North Dakota
More records, surveys & data sources
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Odland Dam Lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Odland Dam (completed 1936), built primarily for recreation on the Little Beaver Creek; arch-type dam, 28 ft tall and 120 ft long.
- Surface area
- 128.2 ac
- Normal storage
- 615 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 1,836 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 85.1 sq mi
- Hazard class
- Low
- Owner
- Golden Valley County WRB
All listed purposes: Recreation;Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID ND00120 · Operator website
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
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: 2023-10-05
Monitoring stations: 1