Gardner Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Niemi No.3 Oja No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Gardner Lake Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1948 by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks department.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 32 feet and with a length of 1050 feet, this dam on the TR-S Fork Grand River serves the primary purpose of water storage with a normal capacity of 1753 acre-feet and a maximum capacity of 3726 acre-feet. The dam has a high hazard potential and is classified as being in fair condition as of the last inspection in December 2018.
Despite its age, Gardner Lake Dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources in the area, with a spillway width of 45 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 9825 cubic feet per second. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in the face of potential climate impacts. With its location in a region susceptible to flooding and other water-related hazards, the importance of Gardner Lake Dam in water resource management cannot be understated, making it a key infrastructure for climate enthusiasts to monitor and support.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
1050 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S FORK GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
3726 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Gardner Lake Dam