M. Oehlerking Reservoir Report
Nearby: K Lazy K Ranch J. Quirk
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
Oehlerking is a privately owned dam located in Hyde, South Dakota, along the West Fork Elm Creek. Built in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet with a length of 705 feet, providing a storage capacity of 263 acre-feet. While primarily used for water resource management, the dam also serves as a regulatory structure under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Despite its age, M. Oehlerking has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. The dam has not been inspected recently, and there is no established inspection frequency recorded. While emergency action plans and risk assessments are not documented, the dam's purpose and associated structures remain unspecified. Overall, M. Oehlerking represents a vital piece of South Dakota's water infrastructure, requiring further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community and environment.
Located within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, M. Oehlerking is not directly managed by federal agencies. However, the dam falls under state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the South Dakota DENR. As a key feature in the water management system along the West Fork Elm Creek, M. Oehlerking plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the region. With its historical significance and functional importance, ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be essential to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of this critical infrastructure asset.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
705 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
WEST FORK ELM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
263 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
M. Oehlerking