Road Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Skull Creek Dam Praire Dog Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Road Dam in Harding, South Dakota, stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and water resource management.
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Summary
Completed in 1953, this earth dam on the TR-Grand River serves as a vital water storage facility for the region, with a maximum storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 109 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam maintains a crucial role in flood control and water supply within the area.
Owned and regulated by the state agency DANR, Road Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet to manage excess water flow during times of high discharge. With a height of 19 feet and a length of 525 feet, this dam showcases the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities against the impacts of climate change. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections and a low hazard potential ensure that Road Dam continues to fulfill its purpose effectively for the local area.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates monitor the evolving landscape of dams and reservoirs, Road Dam stands out for its strategic location and operational significance. With a designated emergency action plan and a history of state inspection and enforcement, this structure exemplifies the careful balance between human intervention and natural processes. As efforts to adapt to a changing climate continue, Road Dam remains a critical component in the broader ecosystem of water management and climate resilience in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Road Dam