Hanson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sterns No.2 Sterns #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hanson Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service with a primary purpose that is not explicitly stated.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 385 feet, providing a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-Grand River, Hanson Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment, Hanson Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in South Dakota. The dam boasts a maximum discharge capacity of 840 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient flood control measures for the surrounding area. While the dam's exact purposes and associated structures are not specified, its strategic location and design contribute to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Hanson Dam's significance lies in its contribution to the water resource infrastructure in South Dakota, offering valuable storage capacity and flood control capabilities for the TR-Grand River. With a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, the dam stands as a key element in the state's efforts to mitigate climate-related risks and ensure sustainable water management practices. As a privately owned structure, Hanson Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community against potential water-related emergencies while supporting the region's overall environmental resilience.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
385 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Hanson Dam