Matson Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sd Noname 106 Gilbert No.2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Matson is a privately owned dam located in Harding, South Dakota, along the TR-SOUTH FORK GRAND RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and stretches 890 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Matson has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. With a maximum discharge capacity of 4500 cubic feet per second, the dam serves multiple purposes, although specific details on primary purpose are not provided in the data. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Matson presents an intriguing case study in dam management and regulation. Its location in a rural area with low hazard potential raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight and emergency preparedness measures. The data on Matson provides valuable insights into the complexities of managing aging infrastructure and balancing multiple stakeholder interests in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
890 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH FORK GRAND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
350 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Matson