Donald King Reservoir Report
Nearby: King Dam No. 2 Donald King 4
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Donald King is a privately owned dam located in Haakon, South Dakota, along the TR-Cheyenne River.
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Summary
Built in 1955, this earthen dam stands at 15 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. Despite its age, Donald King has a low hazard potential and has not been rated in terms of its condition.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Donald King is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. With a low hazard potential, this dam serves as a crucial structure for water resource management in the region. Positioned within St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction, Donald King plays a vital role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Donald King presents an interesting case study in the management and maintenance of aging infrastructure. With its historical significance and continued operational relevance, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring and ensuring the safety of critical water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHEYENNE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Donald King