L. Aesoph Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

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Summary

Aesoph is a private earth dam located in Hyde, South Dakota, with a height of 16 feet and a length of 510 feet. Completed in 1953, this dam has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and serves as a crucial infrastructure along the TR-JAMES river system. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), L. Aesoph is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safe operation and compliance with state standards.

Despite its low hazard potential, L. Aesoph has not been rated for its condition assessment, indicating a need for further evaluation and potential maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unknown, highlighting areas for improvement in terms of preparedness and response in case of emergencies. With a maximum discharge of 5400 cubic feet per second, it is essential for stakeholders to stay vigilant and ensure that proper protocols are in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with this critical water resource infrastructure.

In the realm of water resource and climate management, L. Aesoph stands as a significant landmark in South Dakota, representing the intersection of human engineering and natural hydrology. As enthusiasts in this field, it is essential to stay informed about the status of dams like L. Aesoph, advocating for regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to safeguard our water resources and communities from potential hazards and environmental impacts.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-JAMES

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

160

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.