Caylor Ranch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Duck Creek Dam No.2 Trotter Ranch Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Caylor Ranch Dam, located in Fall River, South Dakota, is a private earth dam that stands 12 feet tall and spans 640 feet in length.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this dam serves as a crucial water management structure on a tributary of the Cheyenne River, with a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.
With a significant hazard potential, Caylor Ranch Dam plays a vital role in flood control and water supply management in the region. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam continues to fulfill its purpose effectively, providing essential protection to the surrounding areas. As part of its regulatory compliance, the dam undergoes regular inspections and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, and enforcement, highlighting its importance in ensuring water resource sustainability and climate resilience in the area.
As a key infrastructure in the local water management system, Caylor Ranch Dam contributes to the overall ecosystem health and water security in Fall River, South Dakota. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a critical role in regulating water flow, reducing flood risks, and supporting agricultural activities in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Caylor Ranch Dam is essential in promoting sustainable water management practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our natural environment.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
640 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
86 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Caylor Ranch Dam