W. J. Asmussen Reservoir Report
Nearby: L. M. Hanson No L. M. Hanson
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
J. Asmussen is a privately owned earth dam located in Hyde, South Dakota, along the South Medicine Creek. Completed in 1946, this dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 600 feet, with a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, W. J. Asmussen is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with the state having jurisdiction over its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.
Managed by a private entity, W. J. Asmussen plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1260 cubic feet per second, this dam serves to control and regulate the flow of water along the South Medicine Creek. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is currently not specified, highlighting the importance of maintaining preparedness measures. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, W. J. Asmussen remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area, under the oversight of the South Dakota regulatory authorities.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
210 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
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.
W. J. Asmussen