Harry Bickel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bohle Dam Harold Meyer
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Harry Bickel, located in Bullhead, South Dakota, is a privately owned dam regulated by the state's Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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Summary
Built in 1940, this earthen dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 380 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-FIRESTEEL river, serves a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Despite its age, Harry Bickel has been maintained to meet state regulatory standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1664 cubic feet per second. As a water resource and climate enthusiast, understanding the infrastructure and condition of dams like Harry Bickel is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water supply in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
380 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-FIRESTEEL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
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.
Harry Bickel