Dusseau Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dusseau Dam, located in Brule, South Dakota, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1947 with a height of 26 feet and a length of 590 feet.


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Summary

The dam has a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 33 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of the Missouri River, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Despite being classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, Dusseau Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 275 cubic feet per second and is under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Although specific details on emergency action plans and risk management measures are not provided, the dam's location and design highlight the importance of monitoring and maintaining its structural integrity to ensure the safety of downstream communities and water resources in the event of a flood or other emergency.

Given its age and regulatory status, Dusseau Dam serves as a crucial component of the local water management infrastructure in South Dakota. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam represents a case study in the challenges and considerations that come with maintaining and regulating aging infrastructure, particularly in the context of changing climate patterns and increasing pressures on water resources. As such, ongoing monitoring, assessment, and potential upgrades or modifications may be necessary to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of Dusseau Dam and similar structures in the region.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TRIB-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

45

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.