Oil Well Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oil Well Dam No.2 Orris Corman Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Oil Well Dam No.1, located in Fall River, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1945 with a height of 12 feet and a length of 1300 feet.
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Summary
The dam has a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.
Situated on the tributary of Horsehead River, Oil Well Dam No.1 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and providing flood control in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2600 cubic feet per second, the dam helps in mitigating the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," indicating the need for a detailed assessment to determine its overall safety and maintenance requirements.
As a significant infrastructure asset in the area, Oil Well Dam No.1 remains a key component in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical water infrastructure to safeguard communities and ecosystems in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY HORSEHEAD |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Oil Well Dam No.1