Trout Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oil Well Dam No.2 Oil Well Dam No.1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Trout Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, is a private dam that was completed in 1920 on the Horsehead Creek Tributary.
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Summary
With a height of 22 feet and a length of 900 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 1300 cubic feet per second. The dam is primarily used for water resource management and flood control purposes, with a low hazard potential rating.
The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated" and there is no emergency action plan in place, the risk assessment and management measures for Trout Dam are not specified in the available data. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, and it is not part of the US Army Corps of Engineers' infrastructure.
Overall, Trout Dam serves as a vital structure for managing water resources in the area and mitigating flood risks along the Horsehead Creek Tributary. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water management efforts in South Dakota. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Trout Dam presents an interesting case study in private dam ownership and state regulation in the region.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
HORSEHEAD CREEK TRIB |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
106 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Trout Dam