Amsden Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pigors Dam Pierpont
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Amsden is a state-regulated dam located in South Dakota along the James River.
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Summary
Built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans a length of 690 feet, with a storage capacity of 4,815 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but it serves to control the flow of the James River and mitigate flood risks in the surrounding area.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Amsden is deemed to have a manageable level of risk. The dam is inspected every three years, with the last inspection carried out in November 2019. While the condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 75 feet. Amsden's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not specified, suggesting potential areas for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Overall, Amsden serves as an essential infrastructure for water resource management and flood control in the region. Its historical significance as a WPA project highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the state of dams like Amsden is crucial for understanding the intersection of water management, infrastructure resilience, and climate adaptation efforts.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
JAMES RIVER TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
56 |
Nid Storage |
4815 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R Near Stratford Sd
|
409cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Foot Creek Near Aberdeen
|
0cfs |
Elm R At Westport Sd
|
12cfs |
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
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.
Amsden