Guidinger Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Royal Mcknight Dam No.1 Us Gov`T Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Guidinger Dam, located on Bitter Creek in Butte, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1945 with a height of 21 feet and a length of 1180 feet.
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Summary
The dam has a storage capacity of 1310 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 572 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Guidinger Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam, situated within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, serves primarily for water resource management purposes. With a maximum discharge capacity of 5760 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply management in the region. Although the condition of Guidinger Dam is currently not rated, regular inspections and enforcement measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Guidinger Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and state regulation. As a key structure on Bitter Creek, the dam showcases the importance of effective management and monitoring of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. With its low hazard potential and significant storage capacity, Guidinger Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water management in Butte, South Dakota, highlighting the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight in safeguarding our water resources for the future.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
1180 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
BITTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
1310 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Guidinger Dam
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