Rubendall Reservoir Report
Nearby: Timber Lake Cattle Co 3 Vern Long
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rubendall, a privately owned dam in Dewey County, South Dakota, stands as a crucial structure for water resource management along the TR MOREAU river.
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Summary
Constructed in 1958 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. While it holds a low hazard potential, its current condition is not rated, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Rubendall is subject to state regulations and oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam plays a key role in flood control and water storage, with a maximum discharge capacity of 840 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Rubendall remains a critical infrastructure for protecting downstream communities and supporting local agriculture, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard its integrity and performance in the face of changing climate conditions.
Located within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Rubendall serves as a vital component of the region's water infrastructure. With its strategic positioning and historical significance, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in the management of water resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and weather patterns, the resilience and effectiveness of structures like Rubendall will be essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Moreau R Near Faith Sd
|
14cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
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.
Rubendall