Wooledge Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wulff Dam C. Wulff Stockwater Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Wooledge Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, stands as a significant structure with a height of 26 feet and a length of 417 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1947, this earth dam is owned by a private entity and is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 500 cubic feet per second, Wooledge Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Despite its age, Wooledge Dam's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated" with a significant hazard potential. The dam has not undergone recent inspections, and its emergency action plan status is unclear. However, the Natural Resources Conservation Service designed the dam, ensuring it meets safety standards. With its location on TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, Wooledge Dam serves as a vital structure for flood control and water supply in the area.
In the realm of climate change and water resource management, Wooledge Dam's role in mitigating risks and ensuring water security in South Dakota cannot be understated. As enthusiasts in this field continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition and regulatory oversight, it serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
417 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
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 |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
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.
Wooledge Dam