Pudwell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Pudwell Dam, located in Bullhead, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA).


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Summary

Standing at a height of 27 feet and spanning 640 feet in length, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 1,734 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of water resource management along TR-Iron Dog Creek. With a spillway width of 30 feet and vertical lift outlet gates, Pudwell Dam has a significant hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency DANR.

The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate, with a condition assessment that is currently not rated. Despite its age, Pudwell Dam plays a crucial role in the region's water infrastructure, offering flood control and water supply benefits to the local community. As enthusiasts for water resources and climate, understanding the design and operation of dams like Pudwell is essential for appreciating their role in shaping the hydrological landscape and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-IRON DOG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

1734

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.