J. Harter Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harter Pond Dam L. Runestad
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
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Summary
Harter is a privately owned earth dam located in Hyde, South Dakota, along Chapel Creek. Completed in 1953, this dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. Despite being labeled as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of J. Harter is currently rated as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), J. Harter is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a maximum discharge capacity of 858 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area. While the dam has not been assessed for emergency action preparedness or undergone a risk assessment, its operational status and overall management measures remain unreported.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, J. Harter represents a key infrastructure for water resource management in South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact the region, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like J. Harter becomes increasingly vital for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
321 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
CHAPELLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
J. Harter