R. Paine Reservoir Report
Nearby: R. Allgaier B. Deuter
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
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Summary
Paine is a privately owned dam in Hand, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential and a height of 28 feet. Built in 1957, this earth dam on the TR-JAMES river has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, R. Paine is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
Located in a remote area with no associated structures, R. Paine serves as an essential resource for water management in the region, contributing to flood control and irrigation purposes. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam's structural integrity and functionality are regularly monitored. With Dusty Johnson as the Congressional Representative for the area, the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers oversees the dam's operations, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and emergency preparedness protocols.
As a vital component of the water infrastructure in South Dakota, R. Paine plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential risks and providing valuable water resources for agricultural and environmental needs. With its historical significance and continued relevance in modern water management practices, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
395 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-JAMES |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
James R At Ashton Sd
|
418cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
R. Paine