Blue Cloud Abbey Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Blue Cloud Abbey Dam #1, located in Grant, South Dakota, along the TR-WHETSTONE RIVER, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1951.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 35 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 3235 cubic feet per second. While the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated."
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Blue Cloud Abbey Dam #1 is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with guidelines. The dam, designed for multiple purposes but primarily serving as a water resource management structure, plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and contributes to flood control efforts in the region. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively, with no major modifications or risk management measures reported to date.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the significance of structures like Blue Cloud Abbey Dam #1 becomes increasingly apparent. Its role in regulating water flow, providing storage capacity, and mitigating flood risks underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the operation and condition of dams like Blue Cloud Abbey Dam #1 is key to ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our water management systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHETSTONE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Blue Cloud Abbey Dam #1