Lynn Beals Reservoir Report
Nearby: Feller Dam Garber Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Lynn Beals, a private dam located in Hughes County, South Dakota, plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
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Summary
Constructed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Medicine Creek, Lynn Beals serves as a key infrastructure for flood control and water supply management in the area.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lynn Beals is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting for its operations. With a low hazard potential and currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, this dam is a vital asset for the community, providing essential water storage and discharge capabilities. Although there are no associated structures or emergency action plans in place, Lynn Beals stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
As the only privately owned dam in the area, Lynn Beals showcases the collaborative effort between private owners and state regulators in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of water resource management. With a maximum discharge capacity of 704 cubic feet per second and a length of 400 feet, this dam plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for irrigation and other essential purposes in the region. Moving forward, continued monitoring and management of Lynn Beals will be key to maintaining its functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. MEDICINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Lynn Beals