Stinking Buffalo Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little Pond Dry Hole
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Stinking Buffalo is a state-regulated earth dam located in South Dakota, specifically in Harding County.
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Summary
Completed in 1951, this dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 550 feet. It serves the primary purpose of water storage, with a capacity of 68 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2100 cubic feet per second. The dam is situated on the TR-Grand River and falls under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Although classified as having a low hazard potential, Stinking Buffalo undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in December 2018. The dam is equipped with outlet gates but does not have associated structures or locks. Despite being in operation for several decades, the condition assessment for Stinking Buffalo is currently marked as "Not Rated." With its location in a rural area and minimal risk assessments documented, this dam remains a vital water resource structure for the surrounding community, demonstrating the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
68 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Stinking Buffalo