Sunshine Reservoir Report
Nearby: Waggoner Hemmingson Irr. Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sunshine is a privately owned dam located in Midland, South Dakota, along the TR-Bad River.
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Summary
Built in 1933, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a storage capacity of 541 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Sunshine is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Sunshine plays a vital role in water resource management in Haakon County, South Dakota. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data, but its location and design suggest a focus on flood control and water storage. Despite its age, Sunshine continues to function effectively, with a maximum discharge capacity of 405 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 230 acre-feet.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sunshine presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam in the Midwest region. Its presence on the TR-Bad River contributes to the overall water management strategy in the area, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficacy of aging infrastructure. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, Sunshine stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and evolving regulatory standards.
Year Completed |
1933 |
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
541 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Sunshine