B. Butler No.3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: B. Butler No.2 Bednar Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
B.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Butler No.3, located in Ziebach, South Dakota, is a privately owned Earth dam built in 1951 to manage water from the TR MOREAU river. The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 112 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam has not been inspected recently, but is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, B. Butler No.3 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3360 cubic feet per second. Although the dam does not have a spillway type specified, its presence ensures flood protection and water storage benefits for the surrounding area. Despite being privately owned, the dam contributes to the overall water infrastructure and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
As an integral part of the St. Paul District under the US Army Corps of Engineers, B. Butler No.3 represents a collaboration between private ownership and federal oversight in managing water resources. With its historical significance dating back to 1951, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of water storage and flood control, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change on local communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
192 |
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.
B. Butler No.3