Wasserbnot Ratedger Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dry Draw Dam Soske Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Wasserbnot Ratedger Pond, located in Fall River, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam structure built in 1945 with a height of 26 feet and a length of 990 feet.
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Summary
The pond has a storage capacity of 208 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of water resource management. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential, the condition of Wasserbnot Ratedger Pond is currently not rated. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam has not been prepared or updated, and there are no risk assessment or management measures in place. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, but the design was carried out by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The pond is situated on Hat Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Wasserbnot Ratedger Pond can appreciate its historical significance and vital role in water management in the region. With its unique design and relatively low hazard potential, the pond serves as a noteworthy example of private dam ownership and state regulation. As efforts continue to assess and improve the overall condition and emergency preparedness of the dam, this site remains a valuable asset for understanding the intersection of water resources, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
990 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
208 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Wasserbnot Ratedger Pond