Gustafson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wilbnot Rated Russell Heintz Number 1
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Gustafson Dam, located in South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that was completed in 1930, making it almost a century old.
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Summary
Situated on the TR-Chapelle Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is rated as low, indicating a relatively low risk of failure.
The dam, managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity. The last inspection took place in 1980, and although the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With a drainage area of 8 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1680 cubic feet per second, Gustafson Dam is a crucial infrastructure for water management in Hughes County.
Despite its age, Gustafson Dam remains a key piece of infrastructure in South Dakota, providing essential water storage and flood control measures for the region. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated oversight, the dam serves as a reliable resource for managing water resources and protecting surrounding communities from potential flooding events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, structures like Gustafson Dam play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of local residents and the environment.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHAPELLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
8 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
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.
Gustafson Dam