Woodrow Hayes Reservoir Report
Nearby: Thomas Dugan Lewis Schmidt
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Woodrow Hayes is a privately owned dam located in Corson, South Dakota, along the TR-HORSE BUTTE CREEK.
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Summary
Built in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. Despite its age, Woodrow Hayes is categorized as having a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Woodrow Hayes is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its compliance with safety and environmental standards. The dam is situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with oversight from Representative Dusty Johnson (R). While it lacks certain features like spillways and outlet gates, Woodrow Hayes continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Woodrow Hayes presents a fascinating case study of a historic dam that continues to serve its purpose reliably. With its modest size and low hazard potential, this earth dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure for sustainable water management. As efforts to address climate change intensify, understanding and preserving structures like Woodrow Hayes will be essential in ensuring the resilience of our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
482 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HORSE BUTTE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
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.
Woodrow Hayes