Nels (Nid) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mallard Dam Petersen Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Nels (Nid) is a federally owned dam located in Chamberlain, South Dakota, along the Dry Draw river.
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Summary
Built in 1938 by the USDA Forest Service, this Earth-type dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and providing a small fish pond. With a height of 18 feet and a length of 540 feet, Nels (Nid) has a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 410 cubic feet per second.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, Nels (Nid) has a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The dam has not been inspected since October 2006 and is not currently regulated by the state of South Dakota. The emergency action plan status, risk management measures, and inundation maps for Nels (Nid) are either not available or not up to date, raising concerns for potential safety and environmental risks associated with the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nels (Nid) presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam with multiple purposes in a rural area. The lack of recent inspections, updated emergency action plans, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance of aging infrastructure to ensure the safety of communities downstream and the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
540 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
DRY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Nels (Nid)