William Baxter Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

William Baxter is a privately owned dam located in Perkins, South Dakota, with a primary purpose that is not specified in the data.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1949, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 450 feet, providing a NID storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. It is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its compliance with safety standards.

Situated on the TR-MOREAU river or stream within the St. Paul District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, William Baxter has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam's associated structures, inspection frequency, and emergency preparedness details are not provided in the available data, its location and design make it a significant feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, William Baxter serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and managing our water infrastructure for future generations.

Although lacking specific information on its purposes, spillway type, and other engineering details, William Baxter remains an intriguing site for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. As a privately owned dam with a regulated status and state jurisdiction, it represents a piece of South Dakota's water infrastructure that plays a role in flood control, water supply, or other essential functions. Further exploration and research into its design, operation, and potential risks can provide valuable insights into the intersection of water resources and climate change in the region.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-MOREAU

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.