Osborne Number 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Herman #12 Calkins Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Osborne Number 3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Jones, South Dakota, along the TR-Bad River.
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Summary
Built in 1953 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. Despite being relatively small in size, Osborne Number 3 plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the area.
The dam has been state-regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "not rated," Osborne Number 3 continues to provide valuable water storage and management services for the local community. While it may not be as well-known as larger dams, its significance in maintaining water quality and quantity in the region should not be underestimated.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Osborne Number 3 will become even more essential in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. With the support of state and federal agencies, as well as ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts, Osborne Number 3 stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
288 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bad R Near Fort Pierre Sd
|
7cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
Black Pipe Creek Nr Belvidere
|
2cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
White R Near Kadoka Sd
|
73cfs |
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.
Osborne Number 3