Bergner Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Bergner Dam, located in Brule, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1949.


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Summary

With a height of 32 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 38 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 33 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bergner Dam serves a crucial role in water resource management in the area. It is designed to control water flow on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, with a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated." Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and oversight for water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's essential to monitor and support infrastructure like Bergner Dam to ensure the sustainable management of water resources in South Dakota. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water management, Bergner Dam stands as a testament to the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and protect our valuable water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

32

Nid Storage

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

32
       
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.