West Butte Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rebuild No.1 Limpert Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
West Butte is a privately-owned earth dam located in Harding, South Dakota, on the TR-Moreau River.
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Summary
Built in 1955, this dam stands at 17 feet tall and stretches 695 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. Although not currently rated for condition assessment, West Butte is designated as having low hazard potential, with state-regulated permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with oversight from the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 1,105 cubic feet per second, West Butte serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region. While the dam's primary purpose is not specified, it plays a vital role in flood control, irrigation, and water supply for local communities. Despite its age, West Butte has not undergone any significant modifications or upgrades in recent years, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality. As a key component of the region's water resource infrastructure, West Butte contributes to the overall resilience of the area in the face of changing climate patterns and water availability.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
695 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
West Butte