Blessing No.1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Irwin Dam Praire Farms Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Blessing No.1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Tripp, South Dakota, along the Dry Draw stream.
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Summary
Built in 1977, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 750 feet, providing a storage capacity of 365 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential and ungraded condition assessment, Blessing No.1 serves as an important water resource infrastructure in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5200 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified in the data, but its presence contributes to water management and conservation efforts in the area. Although not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Blessing No.1 plays a crucial role in water storage and flood control along the Dry Draw stream.
On the political front, the dam falls under the representation of Congressman Dusty Johnson (R) for the St. Paul District. With its strategic location and functional design, Blessing No.1 exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and private ownership in safeguarding water availability and mitigating potential risks in South Dakota.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
DRY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
365 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Niobrara River At Mariaville
|
1650cfs |
Long Pine Creek Near Riverview
|
191cfs |
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.
Blessing No.1