Vessey Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Duck Dam Smith Spreader Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Vessey Dam, located in Harding County, South Dakota, was completed in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to regulate the flow of the TR-Grand River.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 54 acre-feet. The dam's spillway width is 25 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 325 cubic feet per second.
Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, Vessey Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The dam's condition is currently not rated, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status is unknown. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Vessey Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water flow and storage in the TR-Grand River watershed. Its historical significance, coupled with its role in flood control and water supply, highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Vessey Dam