Harold Arnold Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Harold Arnold, located in Corson, South Dakota, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1950 with a height of 17 feet and a length of 600 feet.


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Summary

This dam, situated on the TR-HUMP river or stream, has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 397 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Managed by private owners, Harold Arnold plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing flood control and water storage benefits. While the dam's condition is currently not rated and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, its proximity to the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its importance in the overall water infrastructure network. With its strategic location and capacity to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events, Harold Arnold serves as a vital asset for climate resilience and water resource sustainability in South Dakota.

As a key component of the local water management system, Harold Arnold contributes to the overall water supply, aquatic habitat preservation, and flood risk reduction efforts in the area. Its historical significance, dating back to the mid-20th century, underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure for climate adaptation and resilience. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of Harold Arnold in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of changing weather patterns and increasing water variability in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-HUMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

73

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.