Spring Bull Watershed Dt Dam Sd-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Spring Bull Watershed Dt Dam Sd-3, located in Charles Mix, South Dakota, is a vital structure managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1973, stands at a height of 38 feet and spans a length of 850 feet, serving the primary purpose of water resource management in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 431 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1172 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of Spring Creek and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.

Despite its low hazard potential, Spring Bull Watershed Dt Dam Sd-3 is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's location in the NESW section of 23-94-63 coordinates reflects its strategic placement within the watershed, contributing to the efficient management of water resources in the region. With Dusty Johnson (R) representing the area in Congress, the dam is part of the St. Paul District managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting its significance in the larger water management network.

While the condition assessment of Spring Bull Watershed Dt Dam Sd-3 is currently marked as "Not Rated," ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are crucial to uphold its functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. With a storage capacity of 779 acre-feet and a history of successful operation, the dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies in safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential risks in the Spring Bull Watershed. As an essential component of the local water infrastructure, the dam underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in ensuring a resilient and adaptive response to climate challenges.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

779

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

38
       
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.