King Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: King Dam No. 2 Donald King 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
King Dam No.
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Summary
1, located in Haakon, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1960 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 800 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 740 acre-feet and serves the purpose of regulating flow on the TR-BAD RIVER. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, indicating the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Managed by the state of South Dakota, King Dam No. 1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The dam's last inspection in November 2020 revealed its poor condition, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential risks and ensure public safety. With a drainage area of 1 square mile and a maximum discharge capacity of 1374 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, King Dam No. 1 presents an intriguing case study of a vital infrastructure that requires attention and investment to address its deteriorating condition and high hazard potential. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources, the maintenance and resilience of dams like King Dam No. 1 become increasingly important in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water management systems. The collaboration between federal and state agencies, as well as the involvement of private owners, will be essential in securing the long-term functionality and safety of this critical water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
740 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
King Dam No. 1