Etzkorn Reservoir Report
Nearby: H.C. Calhoun Rufus Gray
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Etzkorn is a private earth dam located in Hughes County, South Dakota, along the tributary of South Chapelle Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1957, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 225 feet, providing a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Etzkorn has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam has not been associated with any significant modifications or incidents, it serves an important role in water resource management within the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 936 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and enhancing water availability for various purposes.
Despite its unassuming hazard potential and condition assessment, Etzkorn remains a vital structure for water resource management in the area. As a privately-owned dam with state oversight and regulatory measures in place, it exemplifies the importance of responsible dam operations and maintenance for safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential risks. The dam's presence along South Chapelle Creek underscores its significance in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SOUTH CHAPELLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
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.
Etzkorn