Baker Number 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Baker Number 3 Baker Number 2
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Baker Number 4 is a privately owned dam located in Jones County, South Dakota, along the TR-WHITERIVER.
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Summary
Constructed in 1957 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 31 feet high and stretches 378 feet in length. It serves a crucial function in water resource management, providing a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second.
Although rated as low hazard potential and not yet assessed for its condition, Baker Number 4 remains under the regulatory jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam contributes to the overall water infrastructure of the area. Its location within the St. Paul District and the involvement of private ownership highlight the importance of collaboration in maintaining and managing water resources in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, structures like Baker Number 4 play a crucial role in ensuring water security for communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
378 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITERIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Nid Storage |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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 4