Little Pond dam
Little Pond
Little Pond, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a state-regulated earth dam on the TR-Grand River. Built in 1951, this dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the dam is inspected every three years and has a low hazard potential. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, it serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.
With its primary purpose unspecified, Little Pond plays a crucial role in water management and conservation in the region. Although it has not been modified in recent years, the dam's capacity to hold up to 70 acre-feet of water and discharge a maximum of 900 cubic feet per second ensures a reliable water supply for agricultural and environmental needs. Its location on the TR-Grand River also contributes to flood control and irrigation efforts, highlighting its significance in the local water resource infrastructure.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Little Pond presents a unique opportunity for studying the intersection of dam infrastructure, water management, and environmental conservation. With its state-regulated status, regular inspections, and low hazard potential, the dam serves as a model for sustainable water resource management practices. Its historical significance, engineering design, and impact on the surrounding ecosystem make it a compelling subject for further exploration and appreciation in the realm of water resource and climate research.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Little Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Missouri R At Camp Crook Sd | 4 cfs | → |
| South Fork Grand R Near Cash Sd | 10 cfs | → |
| Inlet Canal Above Belle Fourche Reservoir Sd | 5 cfs | → |
| Belle Fourche R Near Fruitdale Sd | 1 cfs | → |
| Horse Cr Above Vale Sd | 13 cfs | → |
| Whitewood Cr Above Vale Sd | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Little Pond.
Track Little Pond in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Little Pond
Where does the data for Little Pond come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Little Pond.