Calvin Ballensky Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tom Hauk No.1 Bietelspacher Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Calvin Ballensky, a private dam located in Walworth, South Dakota, is a state-regulated structure under the oversight of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
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Summary
Built in 1957 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 800 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of water resource management, with a normal storage level of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1200 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Calvin Ballensky's current condition is not rated, highlighting the need for further assessment and potentially, maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk assessment information are all listed as not prepared or available, raising concerns about its readiness in the face of potential emergencies or unforeseen events. With its location along the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream and under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District, Calvin Ballensky stands as both a valuable water resource and a potential area for improvement in terms of safety and risk management.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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 |
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.
Calvin Ballensky