Bartels Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nagel Bros. Joe Mangin
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bartels Dam, located in Potter, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1938 with a height of 15 feet and a length of 779 feet.
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Summary
The dam, situated on TR-Cheyenne Creek, has a storage capacity of 330 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2242 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, indicating a need for further assessment and monitoring.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bartels Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam is deemed safe with no associated structures, its emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures are not readily available. The dam's primary purpose and associated risks, such as inundation maps and risk characterization, remain undisclosed, highlighting the importance of ongoing evaluation and preparedness in the face of potential climate impacts and water resource management challenges.
Although Bartels Dam serves as a vital reservoir along TR-Cheyenne Creek, its structural integrity and emergency preparedness require further attention to ensure the safety and sustainability of the surrounding community and environment. As climate change continues to impact water resources, stakeholders, including the owner, regulatory agencies, and local authorities, must collaborate to assess risks, update emergency plans, and implement necessary measures to protect against potential hazards and ensure the long-term resilience of Bartels Dam.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
779 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
330 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Bartels Dam