Baker Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fairfax Lake Alford Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Baker Dam, located in Gregory, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1979 with a height of 27 feet and a length of 400 feet.
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Summary
This dam, built on Tributary Ponca Creek, serves as a water resource structure with a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. While the primary purpose of Baker Dam is not specified, it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Baker Dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 206 acre-feet. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 340 cubic feet per second, providing essential flood control measures for the surrounding area. With state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, Baker Dam is well-managed to withstand potential climate challenges and ensure the safety of nearby communities.
Overall, Baker Dam stands as a testament to effective private ownership and state regulation in water resource management. With a diligent emergency action plan in place and regular risk assessments, this structure remains a vital asset in the region's water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Baker Dam's role in flood control and water storage will be crucial for mitigating potential risks and ensuring the sustainable management of this vital resource.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. PONCA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1530cfs |
Niobrara River Nr. Verdel
|
517cfs |
Ponca Creek At Verdel
|
23cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
188cfs |
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.
Baker Dam