Knippling Stockwater No.6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Knippling Stockwater No.6 is a privately owned earth dam situated in Buffalo, South Dakota, completed in 1953.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 21 feet and a length of 805 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet. It serves as a crucial water source for stockwatering purposes in the area, supporting agricultural activities and livestock.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Knippling Stockwater No.6 dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," with no recent inspection data available. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals may find interest in monitoring the maintenance and inspection of this dam to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of evolving environmental conditions and climate impacts.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

805

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-MISSONot RatedI

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.