Ahrenstorff Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 6 Ahrenstorff Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Ahrenstorff Dam 3, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1947 with a height of 26 feet and a length of 574 feet.
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Summary
It has a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2500 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is classified as having a significant hazard potential.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ahrenstorff Dam 3 plays a critical role in water resource management in the region. While its condition assessment is currently rated as "Not Rated," the dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The dam is situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, contributing to the overall water infrastructure in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ahrenstorff Dam 3 represents a vital piece of infrastructure that helps regulate water flow and storage in Buffalo, South Dakota. Its presence underscores the importance of effective dam management, inspection, and maintenance to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With its state-regulated status and significant hazard potential, this dam serves as a focal point for ongoing monitoring and stewardship in water resource management efforts.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
574 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
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.
Ahrenstorff Dam 3