Howard Capp Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eugene Welder Tom Mason
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Howard Capp is a privately owned earth dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, along the TR Moreau River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1952, this dam stands at 17 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet. Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Howard Capp is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring that it is properly inspected, permitted, and maintained to meet state standards.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and being in "Not Rated" condition, Howard Capp plays a vital role in water resource management and flood control in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second, this dam helps regulate water flow along the TR Moreau River and provides essential water storage capabilities for local agriculture and wildlife. The dam's location and design make it a key component in the broader water infrastructure network within the St. Paul District, ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of water resources in the area.
While Howard Capp may not be a high-profile structure, its significance in water resource management cannot be understated. As climate change impacts water availability and extreme weather events become more frequent, dams like Howard Capp will play a crucial role in adapting to these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in South Dakota. By continuing to monitor, maintain, and enhance the capabilities of dams like Howard Capp, water resource enthusiasts can contribute to a more resilient and climate-ready future for the region.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR MOREAU RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
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.
Howard Capp