Chapman Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pasture 6en Du Swsw Alex Krischen
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Chapman Dam, located in South Dakota along Defanball Creek, stands as a vital earth-type structure completed in 1965 with a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet.
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Summary
Managed by the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this Federal-owned dam serves a primary purpose that remains unspecified, yet its low hazard potential and unassessed condition suggest a stable and well-maintained infrastructure.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second, Chapman Dam contributes to the local water resource management and flood control efforts in Perkins County. Despite lacking a rated condition assessment and inspection data, the dam's strategic location and storage capabilities play a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing essential water supply to the surrounding area. As a significant asset in the region, Chapman Dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for climate resilience and ecosystem health.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chapman Dam represents a cornerstone in the network of dams and reservoirs that ensure water security and environmental sustainability in South Dakota. Its historic significance, coupled with its functional design and operational capacity, underscore the critical role that such structures play in maintaining water quality, regulating river flow, and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. As the debate around climate change intensifies, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Chapman Dam will be crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the growing threats of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
DEFANBALL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Chapman Dam