Rae Number 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rae Number 3 Lyman Number 5
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Rae Number 4 is a privately owned earth dam located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TRIB-BAD RIVER.
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Summary
This dam, completed in 1953, stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 453 feet, with a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. Despite its age, this dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Rae Number 4 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam falls under the jurisdiction of St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and is situated within the congressional district represented by Dusty Johnson. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain details such as spillway type and width, it remains a key structure for water resource management in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rae Number 4 offers a fascinating case study of a mid-20th century earth dam still in operation today. Its presence on the TRIB-BAD RIVER serves as a vital component of the local watershed, providing storage capacity for up to 42 acre-feet of water. While the dam's condition assessment is currently "Not Rated," ongoing state regulation and inspection ensure that it continues to function safely and effectively. As debates over dam safety and climate resilience continue to shape water management practices, Rae Number 4 stands as a testament to the enduring importance of these infrastructure elements in maintaining a sustainable water supply.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
453 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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.
Rae Number 4