Knippling Stockwater No.2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Knippling Stockwater No.2 is a privately-owned earth dam located in Buffalo, South Dakota, completed in 1954 with a height of 20 feet and a length of 522 feet.
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Summary
The dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 41 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
The dam is situated in the St. Paul District, and its primary purpose is to provide stockwater for agricultural use. With a significant hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," there is a need for further evaluation and monitoring of its structural integrity and safety measures. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 377 cubic feet per second, although details on spillway type and width are not available.
Overall, Knippling Stockwater No. 2 serves an essential role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and ensuring the safety of such structures in the face of changing climate conditions. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, it is crucial to stay informed about the status and management of key water resources like Knippling Stockwater No. 2 to promote sustainable practices and safeguard against potential risks in the future.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
522 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
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.
Knippling Stockwater No.2