Budahl Reservoir Report
Nearby: T. Trent No.1 Olsen Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Budahl is a privately owned dam located in Ziebach, South Dakota, along the TR Cheyenne river.
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Summary
Constructed in 1959 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 1555 feet. With a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2100 cubic feet per second, Budahl serves important water resource management functions in the region.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Budahl is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, the dam remains a key component of the local water infrastructure. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness features like an Emergency Action Plan, it continues to play a vital role in water resource management in the area.
Overall, Budahl represents a significant water management structure in South Dakota, providing storage capacity and flood control measures for the surrounding area. With its modest height and volume, the dam ensures the efficient regulation of water flow in the TR Cheyenne river, contributing to the overall resilience of the local water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Budahl serves as a tangible example of the intersection between infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1555 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR CHEYENNE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
285 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Budahl