Norbert Bonhorst Reservoir Report
Nearby: Henry Wilson Olson Ranches Inc. #8
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Norbert Bonhorst is a privately owned earth dam located in Stanley, South Dakota, along the tributary of the Bad River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1955 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at 33 feet high and stretches 700 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. Despite its age, Norbert Bonhorst is deemed to have a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Norbert Bonhorst is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced in accordance with state jurisdiction. The dam is equipped with a maximum discharge capacity of 600 cubic feet per second and serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Although the exact purposes of the dam are not specified, its primary owner being a private entity underscores the importance of private sector involvement in water resource and climate conservation efforts.
Located in a rural area with no associated structures, Norbert Bonhorst plays a vital role in flood control, irrigation, and water supply for the local community. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics of this privately owned dam highlight the diverse stakeholders involved in sustaining and managing water infrastructure for the benefit of both humans and the environment.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Nid Storage |
135 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Norbert Bonhorst