South Buttes Reservoir Report
Nearby: West Butte Rabbit Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Located in Harding, South Dakota, the South Buttes dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, completed in 1920.
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Summary
This earth dam on the TR-Moreau River reaches a height of 22 feet and spans 327 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 198 acre-feet. The dam is owned privately and falls under state jurisdiction, regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment not yet rated, the South Buttes dam serves as a vital water resource in the region.
The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data. However, its presence on the TR-Moreau River, managed by the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights its significance for water resource management in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 162 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1200 cubic feet per second, the South Buttes dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding communities.
Despite its age, the South Buttes dam continues to operate effectively, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. As climate change impacts water resources across the globe, the maintenance and regulation of dams like South Buttes become increasingly important for adapting to changing hydrological conditions. This dam stands as a historical landmark and a vital infrastructure for water management in South Dakota, serving as a reminder of the interplay between water resources and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
327 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
198 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
South Buttes