L. Barnica Reservoir Report
Nearby: Glad Valley M.A. Lynch
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
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Summary
Barnica is a privately owned dam located in Ziebach County, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU river. Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is considered to have low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), L. Barnica is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1500 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the area. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data, but its importance for flood control and water storage cannot be understated.
While the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are not provided in the data, it is clear that L. Barnica is a critical infrastructure for the region. With its strategic location and modest size, the dam serves as a key component in the overall water resource management strategy for the St. Paul District of South Dakota. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, L. Barnica represents a fascinating intersection of history, engineering, and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
570 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
104 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
L. Barnica