Haystack Butte Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sandoz Dam Limestone Butte (Nid)
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Haystack Butte Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its completion in 1930.
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Summary
This private-owned Earth dam spans 400 feet in length and towers at a height of 21 feet, serving as a crucial structure on the TRIBUTARY WHITE RIVER. With a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and ensuring water security in the region.
Managed and regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Haystack Butte Dam boasts a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose effectively, showcasing the resilience and durability of its construction. With state-mandated inspections, permitting, and enforcement in place, the dam remains a reliable water resource for the surrounding area.
As climate change impacts water resources and precipitation patterns, the significance of structures like Haystack Butte Dam becomes increasingly pronounced. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2250 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management, highlighting its importance in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and appreciating the role of dams like Haystack Butte Dam is essential in ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Haystack Butte Dam