Jim River

The James River (also known as the Jim River or the Dakota River) is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 710 miles (1,140 km) long, draining an area of 20,653 square miles (53,490 km²) in the U.S. states of North Dakota and South Dakota. About 70 percent of the drainage area is in South Dakota. The river provides the main drainage of the flat lowland area of the Dakotas between the two plateau regions known as the Missouri Coteau and the Coteau des Prairies. This narrow area was formed by the James lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last ice age, and as a consequence the watershed of the river is slender and it has few major tributaries for a river of its length.

The James drops approximately per , and this low gradient sometimes leads to reverse flow. Reverse flow occurs when high inflow from tributaries leads to James River water flowing upstream for several miles above the joining water. This happens most frequently north of Huron, South Dakota.

The river arises in Wells County, North Dakota, approximately 10 mi (16 km) northwest of Fessenden. It flows briefly east towards New Rockford, then generally SSE through eastern North Dakota, past Jamestown, where it is first impounded by a large reservoir (the Jamestown Dam), and then joined by the Pipestem River. It enters northeastern South Dakota in Brown County, where it is impounded to form two reservoirs northeast of Aberdeen.

At Columbia, it is joined by the Elm River. Flowing southward across eastern South Dakota, it passes Huron and Mitchell, where it is joined by the Firesteel Creek. South of Mitchell, it flows southeast and joins the Missouri just east of Yankton.

The James River flows fully across the state of South Dakota, the only river other than the Missouri to do so.

River conditions during normal years include still water on both the James and its tributaries as well as flooding. Floods occur after snowmelt or heavy rains, as water easily breaches the James' low banks, and such floods tend to cover a significant portion of the floodplain. When the river is still, water quality drops.

History

Originally called ''E-ta-zi-po-ka-se Wakpa'' ("unnavigable river") in the Sioux language, the river was given the name ''Riviere aux Jacques'' in 1794 by Jean Trudeau, a French trader. This name was subsequently anglicized to James River, which was the name used by local English speakers at the time Dakota Territory was incorporated. However, the Dakota Territory Organic Act of 1861 renamed it the ''Dakota River''. The new name failed to gain popular usage and the river retains its pre-1861 name.

See also

* New Rockford Bridge
* List of longest rivers of the United States (by main stem)
* List of rivers of North Dakota
* List of rivers of South Dakota

James River Valley

The James River Valley is a significant geographical area in both North Dakota and South Dakota, situated between the Red River Valley to the east and the Missouri River Valley to the west in North Dakota, and bordered by the Coteau des Prairies and the Missouri River Valley in South Dakota.

Cities in the James River Valley:

1. Jamestown, ND - Often considered the "Gateway to the James River Valley," this city is situated near the confluence of the James River and boasts historical significance with landmarks such as the World's Largest Buffalo monument.

2. Aberdeen, SD - As the largest city in the valley, Aberdeen serves as a regional hub for education and commerce, featuring a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and outdoor parks and recreation.

3. Huron, SD- Known for its agricultural production, Huron hosts the annual South Dakota State Fair, attracting visitors from across the region.

4. Mitchell, SD - Famous for the Corn Palace, Mitchell is a city that celebrates local agriculture while also offering historical sites and parks.

5. Yankton, SD - Located at the confluence of the James River and the Missouri River, Yankton boasts a rich history as a sacred trading post and is renowned for its outdoor recreational activities.

Weather:

The weather in the James River Valley varies significantly with the seasons. Summers can be warm, with temperatures often reaching the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit (27-37°C), accompanied by occasional thunderstorms. Winters, in contrast, can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, averaging in the single digits or teens Fahrenheit (-12 to -7°C), and heavy snowfall is common.

Spring typically brings a mix of rain and snowmelt, which may lead to flooding in some areas along the James River. Fall is generally characterized by crisp temperatures and vibrant foliage, making it a scenic time to visit the valley.

References

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Rivers of North Dakota
Rivers of South Dakota
Tributaries of the Missouri River
Bodies of water of Wells County, North Dakota
Bodies of water of Eddy County, North Dakota
Bodies of water of Stutsman County, North Dakota
Rivers of Brown County, South Dakota
Rivers of Beadle County, South Dakota
Rivers of Davison County, South Dakota
Rivers of Yankton County, South Dakota
Rivers of Spink County, South Dakota