Gutzman Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Herman Mip #2 Lake Herman Mip #3
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gutzman is a privately owned earth dam located in Montrose, South Dakota, along the East Fork Vermillion River.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 420 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Gutzman 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.
The dam's primary purpose and specific design features are not explicitly outlined in the available data, but it is noted that Gutzman has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, with a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 597 cubic feet per second, Gutzman plays a vital role in water resource management for the surrounding area. While specific emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps are not currently in place, the dam's risk assessment and management measures remain unspecified.
Overall, Gutzman serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the East Fork Vermillion River watershed, providing flood protection and water storage capabilities for the local community. As a state-regulated structure with a low hazard potential, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this important water resource asset in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
E FORK VERMILLION RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Gutzman