Royal Mcknight Dam No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Royal Mcknight Dam No.1, located in Butte, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1967 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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Summary

With a height of 17 feet and a length of 1390 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Harriet-Draw river. It has a maximum storage capacity of 243 acre-feet and a normal storage of 78 acre-feet, helping to regulate water levels and mitigate floods in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Royal Mcknight Dam No.1 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. With State jurisdiction and oversight, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability and water security of Butte, South Dakota.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Royal Mcknight Dam No.1 represents a significant piece of infrastructure that not only provides water storage but also contributes to flood control and environmental protection in the area. Its presence highlights the importance of proper management and regulation of dams to ensure their safe and effective operation for the benefit of the community and the surrounding ecosystem. As a key component of water resource management in South Dakota, this dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding both water availability and environmental sustainability for future generations.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1390

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

HARRIET-DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

243

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.