Jacob Goetz Reservoir Report
Nearby: Leo Ritter W. Combellick
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Jacob Goetz is a private dam located in Walworth, South Dakota, with a low hazard potential and a height of 18 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second. While the dam is not currently rated for condition assessment, it is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jacob Goetz serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the area. With a primary purpose not specified, the dam stands as a vital component in regulating water flow and storage. Situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, this structure plays a key role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the region. Despite its age, Jacob Goetz continues to contribute to the resilience of the local ecosystem and climate adaptation efforts.
As a part of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jacob Goetz is a notable example of responsible dam ownership and operation. With state jurisdiction and regulation in place, this dam exemplifies the importance of proper management and maintenance of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role that Jacob Goetz plays in ensuring water security and mitigating risks related to extreme weather events in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Jacob Goetz