Fraser Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilmarth Estabrook Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Fraser is a state-regulated dam located in Aurora, South Dakota, along the TR-JAMES river.
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Summary
Built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 500 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 247 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1850 cubic feet per second, Fraser serves a critical role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its age, Fraser has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam is inspected every 3 years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2016. While the risk assessment for Fraser is moderate, there are no emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared for the dam. As a key water infrastructure in the area, Fraser plays a vital role in flood control and water management, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the surrounding community.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fraser's design and construction by the WPA reflect a historical commitment to infrastructure development in response to the water resource needs of the region. With state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, Fraser stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and planning efforts to harness and manage the powerful forces of nature for the benefit of local communities. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and modernization of dams like Fraser will be crucial in adapting to new challenges and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-JAMES |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
247 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
Fraser