Union Creek Watershed Dt Dam #48 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Union Creek Watershed Dt Dam #48, located in Union, South Dakota, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1976.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 469 feet in length, with a capacity to store 73 acre-feet of water. Situated on a tributary of Sayles Creek, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.
Owned and regulated by the local government, with oversight from the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Union Creek Watershed Dt Dam #48 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as 'Not Rated' in terms of condition assessment. Despite not having been inspected recently, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment information are not available. However, it meets state permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring its operational integrity in case of emergencies.
With its strategic location and function in water storage and management, Union Creek Watershed Dt Dam #48 serves as a vital infrastructure in the region's water resource and climate conservation efforts. Supported by federal agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam contributes to maintaining the ecological balance and safeguarding against potential risks associated with water management. Its presence underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management for the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
469 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SAYLES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Sioux River At Akron
|
816cfs |
Vermillion River Nr Vermillion Sd
|
33cfs |
Perry Creek Near Milnerville
|
25cfs |
Floyd River At James
|
187cfs |
Missouri River At Sioux City
|
15100cfs |
Rock River Near Rock Valley
|
321cfs |
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.
Union Creek Watershed Dt Dam #48