Bennett Martin Reservoir Report
Nearby: Garber Dam H.C. Calhoun
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Bennett Martin is a privately owned dam located in Hughes County, South Dakota, along the tributary of Chapelle Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1954 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this Earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and spans 500 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of water resource management in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Bennett Martin is currently listed as "Not Rated".
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bennett Martin is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. With a normal storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 825 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the local community. Although the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and condition assessment are currently not rated, continuous monitoring and management measures are in place to ensure the safety and reliability of Bennett Martin for the residents of Hughes County and beyond.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. CHAPELLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Bennett Martin