Alfred Hutchinson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hutchinson Dam Hutchinson Irr. Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Alfred Hutchinson is a privately-owned earth dam located in Lyman, South Dakota, along the Whiteriver Off Stream.
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Summary
Built in 1961 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at 26 feet high and stretches 420 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet. It serves the essential functions of regulating water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1100 cubic feet per second, and poses a low hazard potential.
Despite its age, Alfred Hutchinson has not been rated for its condition, indicating a need for further assessment. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures to maintain its structural integrity and public safety. With its location in a rural area and low hazard potential, Alfred Hutchinson is a vital resource for water management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Alfred Hutchinson offers a fascinating case study of a privately-owned earth dam in a rural setting. Its history, design features, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the challenges and importance of maintaining water infrastructure for both human needs and environmental protection. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of dams like Alfred Hutchinson becomes increasingly crucial in ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
WHITERIVER OFF STREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
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.
Alfred Hutchinson