Tufte Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Tufte Dam, located in Harding, South Dakota, along the TR-Grand River, was completed in 1955 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 715 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of regulating water flow and providing irrigation water for the surrounding area.

Despite being privately owned, Tufte Dam is regulated and inspected by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam is considered to be in relatively good condition. Although there are no associated structures and the dam is not operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.

As a vital infrastructure for water management, Tufte Dam ensures a stable water supply for agricultural activities and helps in controlling flood risks along the TR-Grand River. While its emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are not specified, the dam remains a key asset in the region's water resource management efforts. With its strategic location and significant contribution to water resource sustainability, Tufte Dam stands as a crucial component in the fight against climate change in South Dakota.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-GRAND RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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