Beal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gruenig Dam Mayer Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Beal Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, was completed in 1952 and stands at a height of 25 feet.
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Summary
This earth dam has a primary purpose that is not specified, but it is owned and regulated by a private entity with oversight from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 660 cubic feet per second, making it a vital resource for water management in the area.
Despite its age, Beal Dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and its condition is currently rated as "Not Rated." The dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring that it meets safety standards and regulations. The structure is designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and falls under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Beal Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and regulation within the state of South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1150 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
94 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
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.
Beal Dam