Buffalo Lake Road Dam 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo Lake Road Dam 2 A. Simons
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Buffalo Lake Road Dam 1, located in Ziebach, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam that was completed in 1961.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 95 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of water storage with a capacity of 2,650 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR CHEYENNE river and is owned by the state, with regulatory oversight provided by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
With a hazard potential rated as significant and a moderate risk assessment, Buffalo Lake Road Dam 1 is a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region. The dam has a spillway width of 4 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second. Despite its importance, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and maintaining the integrity of dams like Buffalo Lake Road Dam 1 is essential for sustainable water management in the face of changing environmental conditions. With its significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, continued inspections and risk management measures are necessary to safeguard the surrounding communities and ecosystems that rely on this vital water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
95 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
95 |
Nid Storage |
2650 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
95 |
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.
Buffalo Lake Road Dam 1