Baxter No.2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Baxter No.1 Baxter No.3
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Baxter No.2 is a privately owned earth dam located in Ziebach, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU river.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 447 acre-feet. While it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it currently holds a low hazard potential rating and has not been formally assessed for its condition.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Baxter No.2 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 168 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1440 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years and lacks detailed emergency preparedness plans, including inundation maps and risk assessments.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Baxter No.2 serves as a valuable case study in the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. As the dam continues to fulfill its role in flood control and water supply management, there is a growing need for comprehensive assessments and updated emergency response plans to ensure the safety and sustainability of this critical water resource infrastructure in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
447 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Baxter No.2