Leo Ruona Pond No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Leo Ruona Pond No.1, located in Harding, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1959 with a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans a length of 330 feet, serving as a vital structure along the TR-SAND CREEK. Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and being in "Not Rated" condition, Leo Ruona Pond No.1 plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capability of 630 cubic feet per second, this dam serves as a vital component in flood control and water supply for the area. Furthermore, the dam's location within the Omaha District underlines its significance in the broader water infrastructure network of the region.

While specific hazard potential and condition ratings are not available for Leo Ruona Pond No.1, its presence as a regulated and regularly inspected structure underscores its importance in maintaining water security and mitigating climate-related risks. As a private earth dam with state jurisdiction, this facility represents a collaborative effort between the owner and regulatory agencies to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for the benefit of the surrounding communities and ecosystem. The data on Leo Ruona Pond No.1 highlights its role in sustainable water management and underscores the interconnected nature of water resources and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TR-SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.