Bednar Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: B. Butler No.3 B. Butler No.2
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Bednar Dam, located in Dupree, South Dakota, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), who designed this earth dam in 1933.
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Summary
The dam spans 1329 feet along the tributary of Elm Creek, providing crucial water storage with a capacity of 1439 acre-feet. Despite being of stone core and soil foundation, Bednar Dam has a hydraulic height of 19 feet and a spillway width of 100 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 2516 cubic feet per second.
Maintained by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bednar Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment, the dam remains a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) is currently in place, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats to downstream communities and ecosystems.
Situated in Ziebach County, Bednar Dam serves as a lifeline for water supply, agriculture, and flood control in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Bednar are crucial for adapting to a changing climate and ensuring sustainable water management practices. With a dedicated state agency overseeing its operations and a history of resilience since the Great Depression era, Bednar Dam remains a cornerstone of water resource management in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1933 |
Dam Length |
1329 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR. OF ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
1439 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
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.
Bednar Dam