David Olson Reservoir Report
Nearby: W.N. Barrick Estate Rose Ranch Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
David Olson is a private dam located in Stanley, South Dakota, along the tributary of Sansarc Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, David Olson serves a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment.
Despite being a privately owned structure, David Olson is regulated and permitted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With state jurisdiction and enforcement in place, this dam is inspected and maintained regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. Situated in a strategic location within the St. Paul District, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, David Olson presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with significant storage capacity and low hazard potential. As part of the larger network of water infrastructure in South Dakota, this structure highlights the importance of regulatory oversight, inspection protocols, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SANSARC CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
David Olson