A saddle dam is an auxiliary dam constructed to confine the reservoir created by a primary dam either to permit a higher water elevation and storage or to limit the extent of a reservoir for increased efficiency. An auxiliary dam is constructed in a low spot or ''saddle'' through which the reservoir would otherwise escape. On occasion, a reservoir is contained by a similar structure called a [[dike (construction)|dike]] to prevent inundation of nearby land. Dikes are commonly used for ''reclamation'' of arable land from a shallow lake. This is similar to a [[levee]], which is a wall or embankment built along a river or stream to protect adjacent land from [[flood]]ing.
