Etbauer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cable Dam 4 Sd No Name #5
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Etbauer Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, was completed in 1952 and stands at a height of 28 feet with a length of 1020 feet.
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Summary
Managed by a private owner, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream. With a maximum storage capacity of 119 acre-feet and a normal storage of 43 acre-feet, the dam helps in flood control and water supply management in the region.
This Earth-type dam, designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment. While the dam has not been inspected recently, it is under state regulation and inspection, ensuring its safety and compliance with standards. With a maximum discharge capacity of 660 cubic feet per second, Etbauer Dam continues to contribute to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
Despite its modest size and limited associated structures, Etbauer Dam remains a critical infrastructure in the region, providing essential services for water supply, flood control, and environmental conservation. As climate change impacts water resources, the importance of well-maintained dams like Etbauer in ensuring water security and resilience to extreme weather events cannot be overstated. With ongoing state oversight and regulation, Etbauer Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1020 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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 |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
Etbauer Dam