Barta Crooked Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: County Line Dam Nolan Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Barta Crooked Dam, located in Custer, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1950 with a height of 19 feet and a length of 950 feet.
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Summary
The dam is situated on a tributary of the Cheyenne River and has a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 2100 cubic feet per second. Despite being unregulated by federal agencies, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) oversees the permitting, inspection, and enforcement of the dam.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Barta Crooked Dam is a vital structure for water resource management in the region. The dam's primary purpose and specific design features are not specified, but it serves as a key infrastructure for water storage and flood control. Although lacking detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, the dam continues to provide essential water resource benefits to the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Barta Crooked Dam presents an interesting case study of a privately owned earth dam in South Dakota. Its location, design parameters, and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the complexities of managing water resources in the region. As the dam continues to play a crucial role in water storage and flood control, ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be essential to ensure its long-term effectiveness and safety.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
320 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheyenne R Near Buffalo Gap Sd
|
103cfs |
Cheyenne River At Redshirt
|
311cfs |
Beaver Cr Near Buffalo Gap Sd
|
11cfs |
Battle Cr Below Hermosa Sd
|
8cfs |
White R Near Oglala Sd
|
101cfs |
Horsehead Cr At Oelrichs Sd
|
0cfs |
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.
Barta Crooked Dam