Olson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oscar Rische Standing Rock Tribe
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Olson Dam, located in Corson, South Dakota, was completed in 1975 and serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.
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Summary
With a dam height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 556 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the tributary Oak Creek and providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes. Managed by a private owner, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.
Constructed primarily for flood control and water supply purposes, Olson Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. Despite its modest size and capacity, the dam provides essential water storage for the surrounding area, with a normal storage level of 36 acre-feet. With its earth dam structure and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Olson Dam represents a key infrastructure asset in the St. Paul District, contributing to water resource management efforts in South Dakota.
While Olson Dam has not been significantly modified or updated in recent years, its importance in water regulation and conservation cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the role of dams like Olson Dam in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and ensuring a reliable water supply becomes increasingly crucial. With its strategic location and operational efficiency, Olson Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage water resources effectively in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
215 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB. OAK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
556 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oak Cr Near Wakpala Sd
|
10cfs |
Grand R At Little Eagle Sd
|
47cfs |
Moreau R Near Whitehorse Sd
|
35cfs |
Cedar Creek Nr Raleigh
|
20cfs |
Cannonball River Nr Raleigh
|
40cfs |
Beaver Creek Bl Linton
|
39cfs |
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.
Olson Dam