Larson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Orl Walcott #1 Jim Schuyler 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Larson Dam, located in Tripp, South Dakota, is a privately owned structure that stands as a crucial resource for water management in the region.
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Summary
Completed in 1977, this earth dam towers at a height of 30 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of regulating the flow of Tributary Thunder Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 700 cubic feet per second.
Despite its low hazard potential, Larson Dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets all necessary inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. While its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam remains an essential component of the local water infrastructure. The last inspection of Larson Dam was conducted in July 1991, and it continues to play a vital role in water resource management in the area.
With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Larson Dam is a key player in maintaining water resources in Tripp, South Dakota. While its risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures may require updating, the dam stands as a reliable structure for managing water flow in the region. As climate change impacts water availability, Larson Dam remains essential for ensuring a stable water supply for the community and surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. THUNDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
400 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White R Near Oacoma Sd
|
105cfs |
Platte Creek Near Platte
|
3cfs |
Keya Paha R Near Keyapaha Sd
|
33cfs |
Keya Paha R At Wewela Sd
|
54cfs |
White River Near White River
|
42cfs |
Little White R Below White River Sd
|
141cfs |
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.
Larson Dam