Esmay And Sandy #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brunskill Number 1 Wedean Number 3
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Esmay and Sandy #3 is a private-owned earth dam located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TR-White River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1971, the dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated".
With a maximum discharge capacity of 1008 cubic feet per second, Esmay and Sandy #3 serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the region. As one of the many dams in the St. Paul District, it plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage for the local community. While the dam has not been assessed for its emergency action plan readiness or risk management measures, its presence is integral to the overall water infrastructure in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Esmay and Sandy #3 presents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned dam with state oversight and regulation. Understanding the design, construction, and management of such structures is essential for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. As discussions around water infrastructure and management continue to evolve, Esmay and Sandy #3 serves as a noteworthy example of the intersection between private ownership, state regulation, and community reliance on water resources.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
384 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Esmay And Sandy #3