Grizzly Gulch Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grizzly Gulch Tailings Dam in South Dakota, completed in 1998, stands as a significant earth dam with a height of 380 feet and a length of 2000 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned privately, this dam on the Grizzly Gulch river is regulated by the state agency DANR and is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting. The dam has a storage capacity of 20,200 acre-feet and is crucial for water resource management in the area.

With a hazard potential rated as high, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed satisfactory. Despite its remote location near Pluma, Lawrence County, the dam poses a vital role in flood control and water storage for the region. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment details were not provided, leaving room for further scrutiny and preparedness in case of any potential emergencies.

As a key structure in the area's water management infrastructure, Grizzly Gulch Tailings Dam requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safe operation. Its height, storage capacity, and critical location make it a crucial component in safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring water resource sustainability in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's data and regulatory oversight of interest as an example of earth dam management in a rural setting.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

380

River Or Stream

GRIZZLY GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

380

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

20200

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

380
       
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.