William P. Ransch Reservoir Report
Nearby: Simon Dam Howard J. Kunstle
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
William P.
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Summary
Ransch is a privately owned dam located in Potter, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential and a "Not Rated" condition assessment. Built in 1941, this earth dam stands at 12 feet tall and spans 540 feet in length. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the dam has a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 2550 cubic feet per second.
Despite its age, William P. Ransch continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam is overseen by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Its purpose and associated structures are not specified, but its primary function as an earth dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With its strategic location along the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, William P. Ransch serves as a vital infrastructure for water conservation and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
187 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
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.
William P. Ransch