Donald Ferguson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 198 Sd Noname 215
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Donald Ferguson is a private dam located in Haakon, South Dakota, along the TRIB CHEYENNE RIVER.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1972 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and stretches 633 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and not being rated for condition assessment, Donald Ferguson is state-regulated, inspected, and permitted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction, Donald Ferguson is overseen by the state regulatory agency and Congressman Dusty Johnson. With a maximum discharge capacity of 5,880 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. While lacking an official emergency action plan and inundation maps, Donald Ferguson remains a key structure in safeguarding the local community and environment from potential water-related hazards.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Donald Ferguson to be a fascinating case study in dam construction and management. As a privately owned structure with state oversight and regulation, this dam serves as a vital component of the water infrastructure in South Dakota. With its low hazard potential and consistent state inspections, Donald Ferguson exemplifies the importance of responsible dam ownership and maintenance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
633 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Donald Ferguson