Louis Bonhorst #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Livermore Mathews #1
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Louis Bonhorst #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Stanley, South Dakota, along the tributary of the Bad River.
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Summary
Built in 1959 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 350 feet, with a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet. While the dam is categorized as low hazard potential, its condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated", highlighting the need for further evaluation and monitoring.
The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a normal storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 735 cubic feet per second, Louis Bonhorst #1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management and flood control in the area.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and management of dams like Louis Bonhorst #1 is essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices. With its location in a critical watershed area, this earth dam serves as a key component in protecting communities from potential flood events and ensuring the efficient utilization of water resources in South Dakota. Further monitoring and assessment of its condition will be vital for maintaining the safety and reliability of this important infrastructure in the years to come.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Black Pipe Creek Nr Belvidere
|
2cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White R Near Kadoka Sd
|
73cfs |
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.
Louis Bonhorst #1