Williams No 3 (Nid) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Double Dam Williams 783
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Williams No 3 (Nid) is a federal water resource located in Chamberlain, South Dakota, specifically in the Stanley County area along Dry Draw.
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Summary
Built in 1938 by the USDA Forest Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam, with a length of 240 feet, is primarily funded, designed, constructed, and regulated by the Forest Service, ensuring its proper operation and maintenance.
Despite its low hazard potential, Williams No 3 (Nid) has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 due to its age and the lack of recent condition assessments. Inspected every 10 years, the dam has not been rated for its condition, with emergency action plans and risk management measures not yet implemented. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its maximum discharge capacity is 480 cubic feet per second. As climate change impacts water resources, monitoring and maintaining structures like Williams No 3 will be crucial for ensuring water security and safety in the region.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
DRY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
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.
Williams No 3 (Nid)