Soske Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Fall River, South Dakota, Soske Dam is a privately owned structure that serves as a vital water resource along the TR-HAT Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 12 feet and a length of 620 feet, this earth dam was completed in 1935 and has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Soske Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soske Dam plays a crucial role in water management, with a maximum discharge of 1,105 cfs and a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet. While the dam does not have associated structures or outlet gates, it remains an essential component of the region's water infrastructure. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently not available, indicating a potential area for further development and assessment to enhance its overall safety and resilience to climate change impacts.

Soske Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in South Dakota. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water availability and quality, investments in infrastructure like Soske Dam are essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices and mitigating the risks of flooding and water scarcity in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Soske Dam remains a critical asset for water security and climate adaptation efforts in Fall River and beyond.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-HAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.