Hand Reservoir Report
Nearby: G. Hand H. Harrison
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Hand is a private dam located in Dewey, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU river.
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Summary
Built in 1946, this earth dam stands at 17 feet tall and stretches 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Hand is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, and it lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and other risk management measures.
Situated within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hand poses minimal risk but remains a crucial water resource for the local area. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are unspecified, and its last inspection date, condition assessment, and emergency preparedness status are unknown. With its location in a rural area and the absence of an inundation map or risk assessment, the importance of monitoring and maintaining Hand for water resource and climate enthusiasts cannot be understated.
As a significant feature in South Dakota's water infrastructure, Hand serves as a reminder of the importance of dam safety and regulation in mitigating risks and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, ongoing monitoring and updates are essential to address any potential safety concerns and ensure the continued functionality of this earth dam. For enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate, Hand presents a case study in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Beaver Creek Bl Linton
|
39cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Indian Creek - Lake Oahe
|
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Swan Creek State Rec Area
|
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Indian Memorial - Lake Oahe
|
Hand