Collins Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Collins Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, was completed in 1951 and stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 470 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This private dam, primarily constructed of earth, serves the purpose of regulating water flow in the TRIB-MISSONot RatedI river or stream. With a maximum storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 18 acre-feet, Collins Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned privately, Collins Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement procedures in place. While the dam is rated as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 675 cubic feet per second, and its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are not specified in the data.

Overall, Collins Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota, providing regulation and storage capabilities for the TRIB-MISSONot RatedI river or stream. As a private dam with state regulatory oversight, its role in maintaining water quality and quantity in the region is significant. Further information on its condition, emergency preparedness, and risk management may be needed to ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of Collins Dam in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TRIB-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

34

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.