Louis Bonhorst Number 5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Louis Bonhorst Number 5, located in Stanley, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1962 on the tributary of Plum Creek.
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Summary
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Louis Bonhorst Number 5 plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Despite being a privately owned structure, Louis Bonhorst Number 5 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets all state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2250 cubic feet per second, this dam provides flood control measures for the surrounding area. Although the dam is not currently rated for its condition, its presence on Plum Creek helps to mitigate potential risks and protect the community from potential flooding events.
Louis Bonhorst Number 5 serves as a key water resource infrastructure in South Dakota, contributing to the overall management of the region's water supply. With a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in protecting the local environment and community from the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. PLUM CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Nid Storage |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 Number 5