Bill Bnot Ratedess Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lester Hetzel James Petik No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bill Bnot Ratedess is a privately owned dam located in Bullhead, South Dakota, along the TR-Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1945, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 332 feet, providing a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam has a significant hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," indicating that further evaluation may be needed to assess its structural integrity and potential risks. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently undisclosed, raising questions about its preparedness for potential emergencies. With a maximum discharge of 3000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the area, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
As a key infrastructure within the St. Paul District managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bill Bnot Ratedess serves as a vital component of water resource management in the region. With its historical significance and essential role in regulating water flow, the dam represents a critical link in the chain of water resource infrastructure in South Dakota. Continued oversight and maintenance will be essential to ensure the dam's long-term functionality and safety for both the local community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
332 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
175 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Bill Bnot Ratedess