Swayze Irr. Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swayze Irr. Dam #2 Quade Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Swayze Irrigation Dam, located in Roberts, South Dakota, stands as a vital water resource infrastructure that has been serving the area since its completion in 1981.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, ensuring its proper maintenance and operation. With a height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, specifically along the Dry Draw river.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Swayze Irrigation Dam features an earth dam type with an uncontrolled spillway, providing essential flood control measures in the area. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk factor, highlighting the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. With Dusty Johnson (R) serving as the local Congressional Representative, the dam's significance in water resource management is underscored, particularly in the face of climate change challenges.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the monitoring and upkeep of infrastructure like Swayze Irrigation Dam are crucial for ensuring sustainable water management in the face of evolving environmental conditions. With a focus on risk assessment and management, as well as the involvement of regulatory agencies like the DENR, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in safeguarding water resources for the community. As such, continued attention and investment in the maintenance of Swayze Irrigation Dam are essential for safeguarding water security and resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
865 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
DRY DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Swayze Irr. Dam