Louis Caldwell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Haskins Number 1 Capitol Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Louis Caldwell is a privately owned dam located in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, along the Tributary of the Bad River.
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Summary
Built in 1956 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 320 feet. With a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet, Louis Caldwell serves primarily for irrigation purposes in the region.
Despite being categorized as a low hazard potential structure, Louis Caldwell is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam is not currently rated for its condition assessment, and there is no emergency action plan in place. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 338 cubic feet per second, providing essential water resource management in the area.
Louis Caldwell offers a glimpse into the intricate network of privately owned dams that play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience. As enthusiasts in these fields explore the dynamics of dam construction, regulation, and maintenance, Louis Caldwell stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private owners and state agencies to safeguard water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
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 Caldwell