Ward Vanhorn Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ted Matson Manot Ratedice Brengle
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ward Vanhorn is a privately owned earth dam located in Harding, South Dakota, along the TR North Fork Moreau River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1956, this dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a length of 660 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ward Vanhorn is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring proper permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place.
With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated", Ward Vanhorn serves as a vital component in water resource management in the region. While specific purposes and core types of the dam are not specified, it plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage along the Moreau River. Although no emergency action plan or inundation maps are reported, the dam's design and construction by federal agencies ensure a level of safety and reliability for the surrounding community.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ward Vanhorn remains a key structure in the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, providing essential flood protection and water storage capabilities. With its strategic location and effective regulation by state agencies, this earth dam continues to support sustainable water resource management and climate resilience efforts in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
660 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR NORTH FORK MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Ward Vanhorn