Aikens Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Aikens Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, was completed in 1951 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 240 feet.


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Summary

This earth dam has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 16 acre-feet. The dam is primarily used for water resource management and flood control purposes, with a low hazard potential.

Although the dam is privately owned, it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place. The dam is situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream and falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified.

Overall, Aikens Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota, providing essential flood control and storage capabilities. Its regulatory oversight ensures its safe operation, although further assessments and updates may be needed to fully evaluate its condition and emergency preparedness. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of Aikens Dam in sustaining the local ecosystem and community resilience against potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

28

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.