Thomas Dugan Reservoir Report
Nearby: Woodrow Hayes Lewis Schmidt
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Thomas Dugan is a significant earth dam located in Corson, South Dakota, along the TR-Black Horse Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1950 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this privately owned structure serves multiple purposes, including water storage and flood control. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 482 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 143 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for the surrounding area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Thomas Dugan is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not yet condition assessed, the dam plays a crucial role in the local water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With Dusty Johnson (R) as the Congressional representative for the area, the dam's importance in safeguarding the community from potential risks and emergencies cannot be overstated.
Although specific details like surface area, drainage area, and spillway type are not provided, Thomas Dugan remains an essential infrastructure in the St. Paul District, offering reliable water supply and protection against high discharge events. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and government agencies in ensuring the sustainability and safety of water management systems in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
482 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BLACK HORSE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
143 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Thomas Dugan