Badland Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dout Dam 1 Shepherd Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Badland Dam, located in Ardmore, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a structural height of 30 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 33 acre-feet, the dam serves the surrounding area with water from the TR-Jim Creek. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential improvements.
The dam, situated in Sioux County, Nebraska, is regulated by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations. The last inspection was conducted in August 2019, with a designated inspection frequency of every 5 years. With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1450 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for irrigation in the region. Though the dam's condition is concerning, its importance in supporting agricultural activities cannot be understated.
Overall, Badland Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in Nebraska, providing essential irrigation water for agricultural activities. While its condition assessment may raise some concerns, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight aim to ensure the dam's safe operation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and support efforts to maintain and improve the resilience of dams like Badland Dam to mitigate potential risks and safeguard water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-JIM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Badland Dam