Otto Schmidt Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bernard Stoeser Roscoe Riggle
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Otto Schmidt, located in Hayes, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1956 on the tributary of Frozen Man Creek.
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Summary
This dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 620 feet, with a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Otto Schmidt plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 750 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for regulating water flow and storing water for various purposes. Despite being privately owned, it adheres to state regulations and jurisdiction, ensuring its safety and effectiveness in mitigating potential risks related to water resource management and climate conditions in the area.
Otto Schmidt's strategic location in Stanley County, South Dakota, under the oversight of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights its importance in the local water resource infrastructure. As an integral part of the region's water management system, this dam contributes to the overall resilience and sustainability of the area, demonstrating the collaboration between private owners and state agencies in safeguarding water resources and addressing climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
620 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. FROZEN MAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
53 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Otto Schmidt