Olson #4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Herman Number 20 Fho Ranch No.1
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Olson #4 is a privately owned earth dam located in Jones, South Dakota, with a primary purpose that is currently unspecified.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam is situated on a tributary of the Bad River and is under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Olson #4 lacks certain critical safety features such as an emergency action plan (EAP) and inundation maps. The dam's last inspection date, inspection frequency, and other key risk management measures are not specified in the available data. The structure is not owned or funded by any federal agencies, suggesting a greater reliance on private resources for maintenance and operation. The dam's location and proximity to residential areas raise concerns about the potential consequences of a failure event, highlighting the importance of establishing comprehensive safety protocols and emergency preparedness measures for this water resource.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
282 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
28 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Olson #4