Olsen Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Knight Dam Beal Stockwater Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Olsen Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a private earth dam completed in 1952 with a height of 35 feet and a length of 280 feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam has a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 660 cubic feet per second. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the dam is considered to have significant hazard potential.
With the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources regulating and inspecting the dam, Olsen Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam serves multiple purposes, although specific details are not provided in the data. The surrounding area benefits from the dam's ability to store water for irrigation, flood control, and other uses.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Olsen Dam can explore its location at 44.055 latitude and -98.988333 longitude in Buffalo, South Dakota. While details like the spillway type and condition assessment are not available, the dam's role in water management and its historical significance make it a notable feature for those passionate about sustainable water resource practices and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Nid Storage |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Olsen Dam