Dale Ellis Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Dale Ellis, a privately owned earth dam located in Lyman, South Dakota, stands as a testament to water resource management in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1972, this dam boasts a height of 28 feet and a length of 235 feet, providing a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Dale Ellis serves as a crucial structure for flood control and water storage in the area.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dale Ellis is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The dam, situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, is designed to withstand a maximum discharge of 338 cfs, safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding. Despite its age, Dale Ellis remains in operational condition, contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in the state.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, dams like Dale Ellis play a vital role in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. By providing flood control and storage capacity, this earth dam ensures the safety and well-being of the local community. With proper maintenance and regulation, Dale Ellis stands as a symbol of effective water resource management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.