Labrecque Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake 16 Luxemberger Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Labrecque Dam, located in Brule, South Dakota, stands as a significant earth dam completed in 1946 with a height of 24 feet and a length of 635 feet.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is state-regulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance. With a maximum storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a normal storage of 34 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial resource for water management in the region.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Labrecque Dam plays a vital role in flood control and water storage, with a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. Despite its significant hazard potential and a lack of condition assessment rating, the dam remains operational and serves as an essential infrastructure for the surrounding area. The dam's presence also highlights the collaboration between private ownership and state agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of water resource infrastructure.
With its strategic location on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river system, Labrecque Dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in South Dakota. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory framework of dams like Labrecque is crucial for ensuring sustainable water management practices and resilience to climate impacts. The dam's history, engineering specifications, and management protocols provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between water infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
635 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
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.
Labrecque Dam