Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-2 is a key water resource managed by the USDA NRCS in Marshall, South Dakota.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1960, serves the primary purpose of regulating water flow in the Tributary Wild Rice Creek, with a maximum storage capacity of 1588 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 830 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans a length of 600 feet, providing essential flood protection and water management for the local community.

With the State of South Dakota regulating and inspecting the dam regularly, it has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and its condition remains unrated. While the last inspection took place in 1980, the dam continues to play a crucial role in mitigating potential risks and ensuring water security in the region. The Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-2 is a testament to effective collaboration between local government agencies and federal partners in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in the area.

As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and management of structures like Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-2 are vital for sustainable water resource management. With a commitment to regular inspections and enforcement, coupled with low hazard potential and a solid earth dam design, this watershed serves as a valuable asset in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TRIB WILD RICE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

40

Nid Storage

1588

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

40
       
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.