Niemi No.3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Niemi No.3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Harding, South Dakota, along the Tributary Fork of the Grand River.


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Summary

Built in 1938, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Niemi No.3 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.

Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Niemi No.3 is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. While the dam has not been rated for its condition, it serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water storage in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1050 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a key role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential water-related risks.

Although specific details such as inspection frequency and emergency preparedness information are not readily available, Niemi No.3 remains an important structure in the region's water resource management efforts. As a climate and water resource enthusiast, understanding the role and condition of dams like Niemi No.3 is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TRIB-S FORK GRAND RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.