Beaver Reservoir Report
Nearby: Marindahl Lower James Rc&D Ca-171-Ya
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Beaver, a state-owned dam located in Yankton, South Dakota, serves as a vital water resource along the TR-JAMES river.
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Summary
Completed in 1941, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 2050 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, Beaver is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Beaver plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region. With a spillway width of 100 feet and a drainage area of 650 feet, this dam helps regulate water flow and maintain normal storage levels of 400 acre-feet. Although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the moderate risk level of 3 indicates the importance of ongoing risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols.
Located within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Beaver contributes to the overall water infrastructure and environmental sustainability efforts in the area. With State jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities to manage water resources effectively and mitigate potential risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-JAMES |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
450 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Beaver
North Ramp