Baker Number 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rankin Number 1 Hight Number 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Baker Number 2 is a privately-owned earth dam located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TR-WHITERIVER.
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Summary
It was completed in 1959 and stands at a height of 28 feet, with a length of 348 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 375 cubic feet per second. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated", indicating a need for further evaluation.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Baker Number 2 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols in place. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, and there is no designated emergency action plan or inundation maps prepared. The dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, and its risk assessment and management measures are currently unspecified. Despite these gaps in information, Baker Number 2 remains a notable feature in the water resource infrastructure of South Dakota.
As a key component of the water management system in the region, Baker Number 2 plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the TR-WHITERIVER and providing essential water storage for the surrounding area. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, there is a need for further evaluation of the dam's condition and the development of comprehensive risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Baker Number 2 presents an intriguing case study in the maintenance and management of aging infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
348 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITERIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Baker Number 2