Mud Butte Reservoir Report
Nearby: Davis Irrigation Fly Swatter #1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mud Butte, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1940.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 26 feet with a length of 280 feet, this structure serves as a vital resource in the region, providing a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet for water management. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Mud Butte plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of the Little Missouri River tributary. Managed by private owners, the dam offers essential water storage for the area, with a normal storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam's strategic location and design make it a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices in South Dakota.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 840 cubic feet per second, Mud Butte stands as a reliable water infrastructure component in the region, contributing to flood control and irrigation needs. While the dam's risk assessment and emergency preparedness details are currently unavailable, its presence underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality. As part of the Omaha District's jurisdiction, Mud Butte exemplifies the intricate balance between water resource management, regulatory oversight, and environmental stewardship in enhancing community resilience to water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE MISSONot RatedI RIVER TRIB |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Mud Butte