Charles Hyde Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rufus Gray Falk Dam
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Charles Hyde is a privately owned dam located in Hughes County, South Dakota, along the tributary of South Chapelle Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1958 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earthen dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 650 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1680 cubic feet per second, Charles Hyde serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential dam, Charles Hyde is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that the dam meets all state inspection, permitting, and enforcement requirements. While the condition of the dam is currently listed as "Not Rated," its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation mapping readiness are all pending updates. With its strategic location and vital role in managing water resources in the region, Charles Hyde is a valuable asset for climate and water resource enthusiasts to monitor and study.
As one of the key structures in the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Charles Hyde stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water infrastructure. With its historical significance dating back to over six decades, this dam continues to serve its primary purpose of water storage and management. For those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate change, Charles Hyde offers a fascinating case study in the regulation, maintenance, and future resilience of our essential water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SOUTH CHAPELLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
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.
Charles Hyde