Ludlow Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: North Dam Niemi No.5
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ludlow Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1951 with a height of 36 feet and a length of 850 feet.
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Summary
The dam's primary purpose is to regulate the flow of the TR-S Fork Grand River, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1500 cubic feet per second. It has a storage capacity of 3384 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2914 acre-feet.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ludlow Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and has state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place, there are currently no emergency action plans or risk management measures in effect. Despite this, Ludlow Dam serves as an important infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ludlow Dam provides a fascinating example of how private entities can play a key role in managing water resources. With its strategic location on the TR-S Fork Grand River, this earth dam serves as a crucial structure for regulating water flow and storage in Harding, South Dakota. While the dam has a relatively low hazard potential, ongoing assessment and management are essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
850 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-S FORK GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Nid Storage |
3384 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
36 |
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.
Ludlow Dam