Knight Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Olsen Dam Beal Stockwater Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Knight Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1951.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 36 feet with a length of 573 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 375 cubic feet per second. While the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Knight Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing flood control and irrigation benefits to the surrounding region. The dam is situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream and is under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With its strategic location and design, Knight Dam contributes to the overall water infrastructure of South Dakota, ensuring water availability and climate resilience for the local community.
Despite its age, Knight Dam continues to serve its primary purposes effectively while meeting state regulatory standards for inspection and enforcement. As a key component of the water management system in the region, the dam exemplifies the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and climate adaptation. With its low hazard potential and stable condition, Knight Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
573 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
36 |
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 |
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.
Knight Dam