Walter Thompson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chisholm Number 1 Anderson Number 1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Walter Thompson, located in Stanley, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1959 with a height of 25 feet and a length of 360 feet.
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Summary
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Walter Thompson serves as a key water resource structure in the area.
While the dam's primary purpose is not specified, it provides a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet and has a maximum discharge rate of 563 cubic feet per second. Despite lacking detailed information on its associated structures, inspections, emergency action plans, and risk management measures, Walter Thompson remains a crucial component of the local water management system. As a water resource and climate enthusiast, understanding the significance and operational aspects of Walter Thompson can shed light on the broader picture of water infrastructure in South Dakota.
With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, Walter Thompson stands as a testament to the region's commitment to water resource management and conservation. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Walter Thompson play a vital role in ensuring water security for communities and ecosystems alike. By staying informed about the regulation, maintenance, and potential risks associated with structures like Walter Thompson, water resource enthusiasts can contribute to the sustainable management of these essential resources for current and future generations.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. MISSONot RatedI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
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.
Walter Thompson