Dry Run Subimpoundment Reservoir Report
Nearby: Houghton Dam Hyatt Slough Wma 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dry Run Subimpoundment, located in Brown County, South Dakota, is a federal-owned earth dam that was completed in 1994.
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Summary
With a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in managing the flow of Dry Run Creek and providing flood protection to the surrounding area. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is currently not rated for its condition and does not have a formal emergency action plan in place.
Managed by the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dry Run Subimpoundment serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in the region. With a drainage area of 90 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a key role in regulating water flow and mitigating the risk of flooding downstream. While the dam's condition assessment is pending, its low hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dry Run Subimpoundment presents a fascinating case study in dam engineering and water management. As a Federal-owned structure on Dry Run Creek, this earth dam highlights the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety. With its completion in 1994 and a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet, the dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance the needs of water resource management with the imperative of safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and flooding.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
DRY RUN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
90 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
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.
Dry Run Subimpoundment