Houck Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Tom Hauk No.1 Calvin Ballensky
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Houck Dam, located in Walworth, South Dakota, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1980 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 26 feet and spanning 528 feet in length, the dam serves the primary purpose of regulating the flow of the TRIB. SWAN CREEK, with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1111 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, and no recent inspection data is available.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Houck Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, it continues to support the local ecosystem and agricultural activities. The dam's presence underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development to address climate-related challenges and ensure the resilience of water resources in the face of changing weather patterns.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the impact of climate change on dams like Houck Dam, there is a growing need for comprehensive risk assessment, maintenance, and emergency preparedness measures to safeguard communities and ecosystems. With its location in a state regulated jurisdiction and the involvement of various state agencies in permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Houck Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources effectively in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
528 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. SWAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
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.
Houck Dam