Bruce Herman Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hutchinson Irr. Dam Christensen Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bruce Herman is a private earth dam located in Lyman, South Dakota, along the Whiteriver Offstream.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this dam stands at 38 feet high and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bruce Herman is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with environmental regulations.
Although Bruce Herman has a low hazard potential, its condition has not been rated as of yet. The dam has not undergone any recent inspections, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or risk assessments are not currently in place. Despite these gaps, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area, providing essential functions such as water storage and flood control.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bruce Herman serves as a key piece of infrastructure in the region, contributing to the protection and utilization of water resources in South Dakota. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, this dam continues to play a vital role in water management efforts, highlighting the intersection of climate resilience and sustainable water resource practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
WHITERIVER OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
Bruce Herman