Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-5 is a locally owned dam located in Marshall, South Dakota, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of regulating water flow in the tributary of Wild Rice Creek.
Summary
Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 800 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 560 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 318 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 5 square miles, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition as of yet.
Managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-5 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its safety and functionality. While the last inspection dates back to 1981, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, indicating a need for updated evaluation. With its location in a rural area and low hazard potential, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood control and water conservation efforts.
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. WILD RICE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
560 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wild Rice River Nr Rutland
|
21cfs |
James River At Nd-Sd State Line
|
194cfs |
Bear Creek Nr Oakes
|
5cfs |
James R At Columbia Sd
|
268cfs |
Little Minnesota River Near Peever
|
27cfs |
Maple R At Nd-Sd State Line
|
5cfs |
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.
Wild Rice Creek Watershed Wr-5