Scoria Reservoir Report
Nearby: Holsti Dam Mud Butte
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Scoria Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 340 feet, providing a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, Scoria Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Managed by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Scoria Dam serves as a vital component in the local watershed, with a maximum discharge capacity of 420 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not explicitly identified, but its role in flood control and water storage is evident from its design and specifications. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unclear, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness measures.
The presence of Scoria Dam underscores the importance of infrastructure in addressing water resource challenges and climate resilience. With its strategic location in the Little Missouri River tributary, this dam plays a significant role in water management and flood protection efforts in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water availability, structures like Scoria Dam will be crucial for ensuring sustainable water use and safeguarding communities against the growing risks of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
340 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-LITTLE MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Scoria