School Land Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Davis Ranch Inc. No.1 Delzer No.1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
School Land Dam, located in Butte, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that serves as a vital resource for water management in the area.
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Summary
Built in 1957, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet with a length of 650 feet, providing a storage capacity of 540 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
The dam's primary purpose is to control the flow of the Bull Run stream and mitigate flood risks in the surrounding area. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential, the dam's condition has not been officially assessed. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be established, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance of this critical infrastructure. With its strategic location and essential role in water resource management, School Land Dam remains a key asset in safeguarding the local community from potential water-related hazards.
As an earth dam built over six decades ago, School Land Dam stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and serves as a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its historical significance, combined with its continued functionality in mitigating flood risks and regulating stream flow, underscores the importance of maintaining and preserving such infrastructure for future generations. With ongoing inspections and necessary regulatory oversight, School Land Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water security and safety for the residents of Butte, South Dakota, and surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BULL RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
540 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
School Land Dam