Cable Dam 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Cable Dam 3, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 703 feet in length.


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Summary

Built in 1952, the dam has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 660 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cable Dam 3 serves a vital role in water resource management in the area. Its primary purpose and intended uses are not specified, but the dam plays a key role in controlling water flow and storage in the region. With a condition assessment of "Not Rated" and no recent inspection data available, more information is needed to fully assess the current state of the dam and its ability to withstand potential climate challenges, such as increased precipitation or extreme weather events.

While Cable Dam 3 may not be a high-risk structure, its importance in water resource management and its location in Buffalo, South Dakota, highlight the need for continued monitoring and maintenance. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of infrastructure like Cable Dam 3 is crucial for sustainable water management and community resilience in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

703

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

126

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.