Summary
Heath, a privately owned earth dam located in Potter, South Dakota, was completed in 1939 to serve various water resource management purposes. Standing at 18 feet in height with a length of 390 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 630 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, R. Heath has a low hazard potential and its condition remains unrated, indicating a need for further assessment and monitoring.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), R. Heath is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Though there are no associated structures or locks, the dam's primary purpose and specific designer remain undisclosed. With a lack of recent inspection data or emergency action plans in place, there is room for improvement in the risk assessment and management of this water infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, R. Heath presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam in need of modernization and evaluation. As concerns over aging infrastructure and climate change grow, the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of such structures becomes increasingly vital. Further research and collaboration between state agencies and stakeholders may be necessary to address the potential risks and challenges faced by R. Heath and similar dams across the country.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
R. Heath