Whisler Number 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Whisler Number 1 is a private-owned earthen dam located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TR-Bad River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1953 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this structure stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 774 feet, with a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential dam, Whisler Number 1 is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam's primary purpose and specific design features are not explicitly stated in the available data, but its importance in water resource management and flood control cannot be understated. With a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2,646 cubic feet per second, Whisler Number 1 plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of flooding and ensuring water availability for various downstream users. Additionally, its location within the St. Paul District highlights its significance in the overall water infrastructure of the region.

While the condition of Whisler Number 1 is currently marked as "Not Rated" and there is no information provided on its emergency action plan or risk assessment measures, the dam's presence and operational status serve as vital components in the broader network of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the role of structures like Whisler Number 1 becomes increasingly important in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential water-related risks.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

774

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-BAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

81

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.