Nestor Kivimaki Dam No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: George Erk Dam No.1 Newell
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Nestor Kivimaki Dam No.1, located in South Dakota along Lone Tree Creek, was completed in 1922 and stands at a height of 13 feet with a length of 1790 feet.
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Summary
This privately owned Earth dam has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 300 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam, with its primary purpose not specified, serves as an important water resource structure in Butte County, South Dakota. While its condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain undisclosed. The surrounding area's representative in Congress, Dusty Johnson (R), may play a role in advocating for the dam's maintenance and safety measures. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in this historic structure can appreciate its significance in the region's water management system and the efforts in place to mitigate potential risks associated with its operation.
Overall, Nestor Kivimaki Dam No.1 stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and water management practices in South Dakota. Its presence along Lone Tree Creek contributes to the local watershed's infrastructure, providing essential storage capacity and flood control measures. As the dam continues to be regulated and monitored by state agencies, it remains an integral part of the region's water resource management efforts, showcasing the importance of maintaining and safeguarding such structures for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
1790 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
LONE TREE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Nestor Kivimaki Dam No.1