Morris Hamilton Reservoir Report
Nearby: Alex Krischen Chapman Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Morris Hamilton is a privately owned earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR OSUTH GRAND RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Morris Hamilton plays a crucial role in water resource management for the area.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Morris Hamilton is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced upon by state authorities. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, and its emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), are currently not rated. With a maximum discharge capacity of 120 cubic feet per second, Morris Hamilton serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security in the region.
Owned by a private entity, Morris Hamilton's importance lies in its contribution to water resource management and climate resilience in South Dakota. With its low hazard potential and sound structural integrity, this earth dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems along the TR OSUTH GRAND RIVER, highlighting the significance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TR OSUTH GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Morris Hamilton