Walder No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Benson Dam Johnny Johnson Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Walder No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Harding, South Dakota, along the TR MOREAU RIVER.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this dam stands at 21 feet tall and spans 490 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
With a low hazard potential and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," Walder No.1 serves as a crucial water resource for the region. Despite its age, the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and storage, with a maximum discharge capacity of 625 cubic feet per second. As a significant piece of infrastructure in South Dakota, Walder No.1 is a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and understand in the context of sustainable water management and conservation efforts.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
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.
Walder No.1