Norman Nystrom Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frank Hayes Mollison Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Norman Nystrom is a privately owned earth dam located in Hughes, South Dakota, on the Mush Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1938, this dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and adherence to regulations.
With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Norman Nystrom serves as a critical water resource infrastructure in the region. Although lacking an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, the dam meets state permitting and inspection requirements. The dam plays a key role in flood control and water storage, contributing to the overall water management efforts in the area.
Located within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Norman Nystrom is an essential component of the local water infrastructure. With a history dating back to the late 1930s, this earth dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, highlighting the importance of proper regulation, maintenance, and monitoring of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
MUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
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.
Norman Nystrom