Bud Bloom Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bud Bloom is a privately owned dam located in Pennington, South Dakota, along the TR-BAD River.
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Summary
Built in 1936, this earth dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. Although it is not currently rated for condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a low hazard potential.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bud Bloom is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of any federal agency and receives no federal funding or oversight. Despite its age, Bud Bloom has not been modified over the years and lacks certain safety features such as spillways or outlet gates.
With a maximum discharge capacity of 550 cubic feet per second, Bud Bloom serves primarily as a water resource structure in the region. The surrounding area does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, and risk assessments and management measures have not been conducted. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Bud Bloom an intriguing case study for the intersection of private ownership, state regulation, and aging infrastructure in the face of climate change challenges.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BAD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Bud Bloom