Knippling Stockwater No.4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cable Dam 3 Knippling Stockwater No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Knippling Stockwater No.4 in Buffalo, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1953 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Summary
With a height of 18 feet and a length of 585 feet, this dam serves as a vital water resource for the area, providing a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 259 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and proper maintenance.
Located in a significant hazard potential area, Knippling Stockwater No.4 is categorized as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, reflecting the need for ongoing monitoring and management. While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, and enforcement. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Knippling Stockwater No.4 to withstand potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community becomes increasingly crucial.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the role of dams like Knippling Stockwater No.4 in managing water supply, flood control, and overall ecosystem health. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, condition assessment, and risk management measures associated with such structures, we can advocate for sustainable practices and investment in infrastructure that addresses the challenges posed by a changing climate. Knippling Stockwater No.4 stands as a reminder of the critical role that water infrastructure plays in mitigating climate impacts and ensuring the resilience of communities in the face of environmental threats.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
585 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Old Fort Thompson - COE
|
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Right Tailrace - COE
|
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Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe
|
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North Shore -COE
|
Knippling Stockwater No.4