Christensen Stockwater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Christensen Stockwater, located in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1951 with a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam serves the primary purpose of providing stockwater for the area. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam, situated on the TR-MISSONot RatedI river or stream, has a maximum discharge capacity of 350 cubic feet per second and a normal storage level of 58 acre-feet. Despite its age, Christensen Stockwater has not undergone any significant modifications or renovations in recent years. With a lack of detailed risk assessment and emergency action plans, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and management of potential risks associated with the dam. Overall, this structure plays a crucial role in providing water resources for livestock in the region and highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.