Hess Pond No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cother Clanton Manot Ratedice Brengle
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Hess Pond No.1 is a privately owned dam located in Harding, South Dakota, along the tributary North Fork Moreau.
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Summary
Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 480 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Hess Pond No.1 is subject to state regulations for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam has not been assessed for its emergency action plan or risk management measures, its location in a relatively low-risk area suggests a lower likelihood of catastrophic failure. However, with no recent inspection date available, there is a need for updated assessments to determine the dam's current condition and any necessary improvements to enhance its resilience to potential climate impacts.
As an integral component of the local water resource infrastructure, Hess Pond No.1 plays a crucial role in water storage and flood control in the region. With its proximity to the North Fork Moreau tributary, the dam contributes to the overall management of water resources in the area. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water availability, monitoring and maintaining dams like Hess Pond No.1 are essential for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources and protecting communities from potential risks associated with extreme weather events and flooding.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK MOREAU |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
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.
Hess Pond No.1