Hayes Stockwater Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Abernathy Dam Koch Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hayes Stockwater Dam, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a private earth dam completed in 1949 with a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 19 acre-feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam is state-regulated, with inspections, permitting, and enforcement conducted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
With a significant hazard potential, Hayes Stockwater Dam is designed to withstand potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Despite its condition being currently rated as "Not Rated," the dam serves as a key infrastructure for the local community, providing water storage for stockwater and contributing to the overall water resource management in the region. The dam's location along TR-MISSOnot RatedI highlights its importance in maintaining a sustainable water supply in the area.
As a notable structure in the St. Paul District, Hayes Stockwater Dam stands as a testament to the collaboration between private owners and state regulatory agencies in managing water resources and mitigating climate-related risks. With a history dating back to 1949, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively, showcasing the importance of infrastructure resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hayes Stockwater Dam offers a fascinating example of sustainable water management practices in action.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
255 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
James R Near Redfield Sd
|
468cfs |
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.
Hayes Stockwater Dam