Bert Thompson No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ebersoll Dam Nelson Dam No. 2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bert Thompson No.1 is a privately owned dam located in Fall River, South Dakota, along a tributary of the Cheyenne River.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. While the dam is not currently rated for its condition, it is considered to have a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bert Thompson No.1 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It is equipped with a spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 425 cubic feet per second. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan in place, the dam is subject to state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
With its location in a rural area and low hazard potential, Bert Thompson No.1 serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding community. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, it is essential to monitor and maintain dams like Bert Thompson No.1 to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable water management for future generations.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Bert Thompson No.1